• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • News
  • Lifestyle

‘Agricultural icon’ remembered at virtual memorial service

28th January 2021
Justin Platt, founder and CEO of Zylem and RegenZ argues that instead of basing management decisions on a purely rational and cognitive approach, farmers need to harness (and trust) their unique intuition. Photo: Supply/AdobeStock

Farmers, trust your intuition and go with your gut

15th August 2022
Leanne Gammage and Jackson Andrew, co-founders of Masterstock Cape Wild Food. Masterstock Cape Wild Food is a speciality salt brand focused on regenerative agriculture. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Agripreneur 101: Regeneration at the heart of this salt company

15th August 2022
ADVERTISEMENT

R350 grant puts sisters on agri path to success

15th August 2022
The uMngeni Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal is supporting local farmers through a new agricultural unit that has been established in the municipality. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Farmer support: KZN municipality leads the way

15th August 2022
Farmers in the south-western parts of the country can expect a slightly drier than usual spring. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

ICYMI: Below-normal winter rainfall to continue

15th August 2022
This week's Agri calendar features a wine and food event, an online discussion on biofilms the dairy industry and another on cutting fertiliser costs. There's also a livestock auction to look out for and an online event about soil. Include your event to the calendar by emailing info@foodformzansi.com. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

This week’s agriculture events: 15 to 18 August 2022

15th August 2022
Andile Matukane, founder of Farmers Choice and Devroll Legodi, founder of Devroll Herbs, joined a recent session of Food For Mzansi’s Gather To Grow on twitter o discuss the cultivation of spring onions in Mzansi. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Farmer 101: Top tips to grow spring onions

14th August 2022
This drone is collecting data which farmers can then access on the yield management platform. Photo: Supplied/Aerobotics

How the Internet of Things is transforming agri

13th August 2022
His life took a turn for the worst when he ended up in jail for dealing in drugs, but Thembinkosi Matika turned his life around and now helps others through his Legacy Farming Project. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Drug dealer turned farmer ploughs back

12th August 2022
Beat the winter blues with yummy butter chicken

Beat the winter blues with yummy butter chicken

12th August 2022
Households in South Africa could be in for some respite in the coming months on food prices. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Food may soon be cheaper. What’s the catch?

12th August 2022
Archive photo. Western Cape agri MEC Ivan Meyer highlighted small towns' dependence on agriculture during a recent provincial summit with municipal leaders. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

ICYMI: MEC lines up municipal support for farmers

12th August 2022
  • Home
  • News
  • Changemakers
  • Lifestyle
  • Farmer’s Inside Track
  • Food for Thought
11 GLOBAL MEDIA AWARDS
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Food For Mzansi
  • Home
  • News
  • Changemakers
    • All
    • AgriCareers
    • Entrepreneurs
    • Farmers
    • Groundbreakers
    • Innovators
    • Inspiration
    • It Takes a Village
    • Mentors
    • Movers and Shakers
    • Partnerships
    Leanne Gammage and Jackson Andrew, co-founders of Masterstock Cape Wild Food. Masterstock Cape Wild Food is a speciality salt brand focused on regenerative agriculture. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

    Agripreneur 101: Regeneration at the heart of this salt company

    R350 grant puts sisters on agri path to success

    The uMngeni Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal is supporting local farmers through a new agricultural unit that has been established in the municipality. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

    Farmer support: KZN municipality leads the way

    This drone is collecting data which farmers can then access on the yield management platform. Photo: Supplied/Aerobotics

    How the Internet of Things is transforming agri

    His life took a turn for the worst when he ended up in jail for dealing in drugs, but Thembinkosi Matika turned his life around and now helps others through his Legacy Farming Project. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

    Drug dealer turned farmer ploughs back

    Christo Van der Rheede is the executive director of Agri SA. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

    Former music teacher leads agri’s greatest symphony

    Agripreneur 101: Creating a beauty brand

    Agripreneur 101: Creating a beauty brand

    Claire and Martin Joubert have sacrificed and struggled to become top breeders of Ankole cattle in South Africa. But giving up was never an option, because they wanted to offer only the very best Ankole genetics in the country. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

    Farming couple lives and breathes Ankole cattle

    Tackling climate change, one tree at a time

  • Lifestyle
  • Farmer’s Inside Track
  • Food for Thought
No Result
View All Result
Food For Mzansi

‘Agricultural icon’ remembered at virtual memorial service

by Noluthando Ngcakani
28th January 2021
in News
Reading Time: 7 mins read
A A

Esteemed colleagues in academia, agriculture and social justice gathered virtually to pay tribute to fallen agricultural icon, Prof. Mohammad Karaan. Photo: Supplied

The late Professor Mohammad Karaan was just a year old when, on 29 September 1969, he was hit by South Africa’s biggest earthquake to date. This moment, while he was sitting on the lap of his uncle, shaped his destiny, believes Dr Ali Adam.

Adam, founding director of the Two Oceans Graduate Institute, was among the many dignitaries who said their final goodbyes to Karaan during a virtual memorial service held this morning.

The agricultural economist and celebrated thought leader died of Covid-19 on 13 January 2021, just nine days before his 53rd birthday.

A fallen icon, Prof. Mohammed Karaan. Photo: Supplied

“He was on my lap on the night an earthquake hit Tulbagh. Karaan screamed, ‘Bang, bang!’ (mimicking the sound of items falling because of the 5.5-magnitude quake).

ADVERTISEMENT

“He held on to me tightly. He was so innocent. Him surviving, I knew he was destined for great things.”

Adam said although the Karaan family is filled with great sadness and sorrow following his sudden death, they were most grateful that so many people, from all walks of life, could experience the magnitude of Karaan’s “warm spirit and ever-prevalent mischievous smile.”

READ: An irreparable loss: Prof. Mohammad Karaan has died

Colleagues in academia and the agricultural and social justice honoured Karaan during the Zoom service hosted by the Faculty of Agrisciences at Stellenbosch University. His death was described as a great loss for the agricultural fraternity.

Founding director of Two Oceans Graduate Institute, Dr Ali Adam. Photo: Two Oceans Graduate Institute

In an emotional virtual send-off, friends, family members and colleagues shared treasured memories and intricate insights on some of the valuable lessons they learned from Karaan.

Adam said he and his late nephew were passionate about starting an agricultural school of their own to “rebuild the nation”.

“Like my father and his grandfather, Karaan believed the most natural career for humans was agriculture. That is why he studied it. For any nation to be strong and powerful, its agricultural value chain must be at an extraordinary level,” said Adam.

READ: Karaan ‘best minister of agriculture we never had’

‘He transcended societal indifference’

Stanley Subramoney, director of aquaponics and fishing company Terrasan Group, said Karaan will always be remembered for the imprint he has left in the agricultural sector. Karaan joined the Terrasan Group in 2010 and was appointed as its chairperson in 2012.

ADVERTISEMENT
Stanley Subramoney, a director of the Terrasan Group. Photo: Mentson Holdings

“An icon in the agricultural sector… Under his leadership, the group achieved many goals, growing revenue exponentially.

“With a remarkable clarity of vision and with great imagination for what could be, Prof. Karaan helped to lead Terrasan to the future. For this we are eternally grateful.”

To honour his “simple yet profound life,” the board of Terrasan today announced the Mohammad Karaan Legacy Foundation to support disadvantaged students looking to pursue agricultural studies.

“Professor was passionate about education, and in his honour this foundation will support PhD students in agriculture; disadvantaged students who wish to pursue farming and fishing and other projects,” said Subramoney.

A champion for the poor

Besides having a passion for agriculture, Professor Mohammad Karaan was also the president of the Maties Rugby Club. Photo: Twitter
Besides having a passion for agriculture, Professor Mohammad Karaan was also the president of the Maties Rugby Club. Photo: Twitter

Former finance minister Trevor Manuel remembered Karaan as a lover of the people, knowledge, and virtue.

He said Karaan was so “comfortable in his skin and belief system” that he strived to create a better life for the poor of South Africa.

Karaan was a member of the National Planning Commission under the leadership of Manuel, who served as minister in the presidency in 2013.

Former minister in the Presidency, Trevor Manuel. Photo: IMF

“Mohammad sought to honour all those who had suffered for justice and freedom in our land. He sought to respect and honour all those who built and developed our country.

“He believed South Africa belonged to all who lived in it; black and white, rural and urban, Muslim, Jew and Christian.

“He lived a continuum of his own life and worked for his beliefs. He was known by the fishing folk, farmworkers… He journeyed deep into rural areas as he travelled to meet people to offer his assistance.

“On that journey across the country there was one guarantee: that everybody would be treated as people.”

‘Karaan was a bridge-builder’

Stellenbosch University colleagues honoured Karaan for his contribution towards creating diversity.

Vice-chancellor of the Stellenbosch University Professor Wim de Villiers. Photo: Twitter
Vice-chancellor of the Stellenbosch University Professor Wim de Villiers. Photo: Twitter

Vice-chancellor Professor Wim de Villiers said, “From the beginning of his journey at Stellenbosch in the 1980’s he built bridges… He was one of those who made the wheels change.”

De Villiers’ sentiments were echoed by agricultural economist Prof. Nick Vink.

“He was a bridge builder who had a vision of what the country should look like. He had patience and was wise beyond his years. Whatever mission he tackled was left better, stronger. Not many people have the track record he has.

“He was a man of surprises. A poet, hunter and sometimes a little naive, not in a bad way… He treated everyone with respect. His humanity shone through with every interaction,” said Vink.

“With a remarkable clarity of vision and with great imagination for what could be, Professor Karaan led us to the future.”

Karaan’s 52-year-old life was testament to the Almighty’s saying, “For I know the plans I have for you,” remarked a former colleague, Prof. Eltie Links. “Karaan was a team player, knowing all the right people and introducing them to us. He was a true bridge builder.”

In a teary address, Karaan’s sister Fatima Karaan expressed her appreciation for the support from Karaan’s colleagues and friends. “It was very hard to hear of his passing. We will forever remember him for everything that he stood for. He will forever be in our hearts.”

Tags: Prof. Eltie LinksProf. Mohammad Karaan
Previous Post

Simply put, food is love, says foodie accountant

Next Post

Didiza: ‘Maluti PALS will stimulate rural economy’

Noluthando Ngcakani

Noluthando Ngcakani

With roots in the Northern Cape, this Kimberley Diamond has had a passion for telling human interest stories since she could speak her first words. A foodie by heart, she began her journalistic career as an intern at the SABC where she discovered her love for telling agricultural, community and nature related stories. Not a stranger to a challenge Ngcakani will go above and beyond to tell your truth.

Related Posts

The late Professor Mohammad Karaan, a former member of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s high-level panel on land reform and agriculture. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Naidoo to address historic first Karaan memorial lecture

by Staff Reporter
12th April 2022
0

The life and memory of the late Professor Mohammad Karaan will be honoured during a memorial address on Wednesday. Stellenbosch...

Next Post
The historic first group of directors of Maluti Farming PALS are, from the left, Gert Bester, Rami Ramanemane, Piet Potgieter, Dr Agnes Setai, Tsolo Mopeli and George Bengell. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Didiza: ‘Maluti PALS will stimulate rural economy’

The uMngeni Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal is supporting local farmers through a new agricultural unit that has been established in the municipality. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi
Farmers

Farmer support: KZN municipality leads the way

by Tiisetso Manoko
15th August 2022
0

Farmers in the rural community of Howick are set to benefit from a first-of-its-kind agricultural unit that has been established...

Read more
Farmers in the south-western parts of the country can expect a slightly drier than usual spring. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

ICYMI: Below-normal winter rainfall to continue

15th August 2022
This week's Agri calendar features a wine and food event, an online discussion on biofilms the dairy industry and another on cutting fertiliser costs. There's also a livestock auction to look out for and an online event about soil. Include your event to the calendar by emailing info@foodformzansi.com. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

This week’s agriculture events: 15 to 18 August 2022

15th August 2022
Andile Matukane, founder of Farmers Choice and Devroll Legodi, founder of Devroll Herbs, joined a recent session of Food For Mzansi’s Gather To Grow on twitter o discuss the cultivation of spring onions in Mzansi. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Farmer 101: Top tips to grow spring onions

14th August 2022
This drone is collecting data which farmers can then access on the yield management platform. Photo: Supplied/Aerobotics

How the Internet of Things is transforming agri

13th August 2022

Determination drives this #SoilSista to succeed

Farmer 101: Top tips to grow spring onions

She bosses: ‘We see farming changing for good’

ICYMI: Mama Fifi determined to rise again

ICYMI: Below-normal winter rainfall to continue

Former music teacher leads agri’s greatest symphony

THE NEW FACE OF SOUTH AFRICAN AGRICULTURE

With 12 global awards in the first three years of its existence, Food For Mzansi is much more than an agriculture publication. It is a movement, unashamedly saluting the unsung heroes of South African agriculture. We believe in the power of agriculture to promote nation building and social cohesion by telling stories that are often overlooked by broader society.

Farmers, trust your intuition and go with your gut

Agripreneur 101: Regeneration at the heart of this salt company

R350 grant puts sisters on agri path to success

Farmer support: KZN municipality leads the way

ICYMI: Below-normal winter rainfall to continue

This week’s agriculture events: 15 to 18 August 2022

  • Our Story
  • Contact Us
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright

Contact us
Office: +27 21 879 1824
News: info@foodformzansi.co.za
Advertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Changemakers
  • Lifestyle
  • Farmer’s Inside Track
  • Food for Thought

Copyright © 2021 Food for Mzansi

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.