At the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, a quiet revolution is taking root at the Living Soils Community Learning Farm. Here, young, new-generation farmers are not only cultivating crops but growing futures, armed with critical agricultural skills.
Born from a powerful partnership between Woolworths, Spier Wine Farm, and the Sustainability Institute, this initiative is sowing the seeds of food security – one harvest, one learner, one community at a time.
Namhla Skweyiya is the project manager at the Living Soils Community Learning Farm says they have welcomed 20 new interns this year for their year-long sustainable agriculture internship programme – of which 65% are up-and-coming women farmers.
“With an ambitious vision for 2025, Living Soils is poised to deepen its impact…cultivated land will increase by 90%, from 1.1 ha to 2.1 ha, significantly enhancing food production and availability,” Skweyiya says.
This expansion reflects the farm’s commitment to scaling its impact. In 2024, Living Soils achieved a remarkable 214% increase in total produce tonnage compared to 2023, resulting in the harvesting of 15 773kg of fresh food. Of this, 9 877 kg was donated to nearby communities and early childhood development centres, reinforcing Living Soils’ mission of food security.
Community impact
To further enhance food diversity for local communities, new crops – including mixed peppers, butternut, marrows, tomatoes, and turnips – will be introduced. This initiative aims to enrich the nutritional value of the produce available to beneficiaries.
According to Skweyiya , the introduction of a greenhouse tunnel, donated by Vegtech Netafim, provided interns, farm employees, and managers with an invaluable platform to explore precision agriculture techniques that enhance sustainability and efficiency.
Related stories
- Water-wise food garden grows hope and dignity in Gqeberha
- Growing health: ECD centres in NC cultivate sustainability
“Over 15 000 individuals benefited daily from fresh produce through direct donations and subsidised sales to organisations such as Feeding in Action, the Pebbles Project, and the Lynedoch Children’s House,” she says.
Additionally, a 45% increase in revenue highlights Living Soils’ advancing financial sustainability, ensuring the longevity of its social impact.
Hands-on training with heavy machinery
In 2024, eight interns graduated, with two securing employment immediately and two pursuing further studies.
This year, new practical training opportunities will be introduced, such as tractor-driving lessons sponsored by Afgri Equipment Bellville, providing interns with essential hands-on agricultural skills.
“[We are also] installing a new, highly efficient irrigation system, along with on-field irrigation maintenance training, provided by Vegtech Netafim, [which will] improve efficiency and productivity on the farm.
“These developments not only enhance the farm’s operational capabilities but also equip interns with valuable experience in modern agricultural practices.”
Skweyiya says the Living Soils Community Learning Farm is more than just a training ground for future farmers but a movement toward social justice, addressing key inequalities in education, employment, and food security.
“With 65% of the 2025 interns being women, Living Soils is actively breaking down gender barriers in agriculture,” Skweyiya adds.
They also champion regenerative agriculture, promoting environmental sustainability while ensuring equitable food access.
READ NEXT: What a ride! Young farmers hail life-changing indaba
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
