In pictures: Potato players drive change at symposium

The seventh Potatoes SA Transformation Symposium was an unparalleled success, marking an important moment in the growth and development of South Africa’s potato industry.

Hosted at the Birchwood Hotel, in Kempton Park, Gauteng on Thursday, 15 February 2024, this year’s event showcased a unified commitment to driving positive change within the sector.

The event saw an impressive turnout of industry stakeholders including farmers, government officials, agri-finance leaders, economists, and market agents.

Nabeel Patel, Craig Murrell, Sulaimaan Patel and Angelo Petersen attended the seventh Potatoes SA Transformation Symposium. Photo: Potatoes SA

According to Brian Makhele, a transformation specialist at Potatoes South Africa, at the heart of the symposium were the Potatoes SA transformation pillars, “Which is to assist black farmers to become commercial, ensure food security and to provide bursaries for students in the agricultural industry to ensure that we keep investing in our industry.

“We cannot do this alone, but we have achieved great strides with the partnerships we have formed in the industry,” Makhele said.

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Frieda Honey, Leroy Dunn, Dakalo Nemamilwe, and Zinzi Saba from Khula. Photo: Potatoes SA

Growing farmers forward

Partnerships also emerged as a central theme, highlighting the important role of collaboration in driving transformation.

Makhele said by working together to advocate for farmer-friendly policies, facilitate market access for new entrants, and streamline access to financing, the industry can create an environment conducive to the success and prosperity of all stakeholders.

“Policies that will favour farmers, ease of entry to the markets for new farmers, ease of obtaining financing from financial institutions are some of the examples can be used to see that the farmers grow.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to our sponsors, speakers, exhibitors and all our attendees. We trust that the symposium provided you with valuable insights, new connections, and inspiration to further your endeavours in your respective fields,” Makhele said.