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in Farmer's Inside Track

Southern Oil’s community commitment shines

Southern Oil isn't just about producing top-tier canola products; they're also dedicated to nurturing their community. Renee Govender talks about their commitment to education, sustainable farming, and empowering local farmers on the Farmer's Inside Track podcast

by Octavia Avesca Spandiel
7th June 2024
Renee Govender is a learning and development practitioner at Southern Oil. Photo: Food For Mzansi

Renee Govender is a learning and development practitioner at Southern Oil. Photo: Food For Mzansi

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Southern Oil goes beyond producing high-quality products. Through the Canola Trust, they are actively nurturing the next generation in their surrounding communities. Renee Govender, a learning and development practitioner at Southern Oil, explains their impactful initiatives on the Farmer’s Inside Track podcast.

According to Govender, Southern Oil recognises a shared success with their communities, particularly Swellendam and the surrounding farms in the Western Cape. Their commitment goes beyond social responsibility.

“Giving back to the community is like planting seeds in fertile soil. It nurtures the community, it also enriches the very fabric of the company,” she says.


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  • Southern Oil digs deep into the opportunities in canola farming
  • Nutrition education is key to building healthier rural communities

Investing in the future

Govender adds that investing in education creates a win-win situation. A skilled workforce contributes to the company’s success, while a strong community fosters a loyal customer base. “Giving back is also economically savvy,” Govender explains.

Southern Oil understands that a robust community supports local businesses, so their commitment extends beyond education. They actively promote sustainable practices among canola farmers, ensuring long-term growth for the industry. 

Govender emphasises, “Empowering local farmers and creating employment opportunities are key to the industry’s overall success.”

In this episode, she also discusses:
  • The importance of investing in local talent;
  • Cultivating literacy and numeracy; and
  • Ensuring long-term sustainability in the canola industry.

Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.

Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).

Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device.

Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.

ALSO READ: Lice in cattle: Stop it before it starts

Sign up for Farmer’s Inside Track: Join our exclusive platform for new entrants into farming and agri-business, with newsletters and podcasts. 

Octavia Avesca Spandiel

Raised by a close-knit family who loves her deeply, Octavia believes in the philosophy of ‘I am because you are'. This former news and content editor for radio is now living her best life in the agricultural sector as a commercial journalist at Food For Mzansi. Her soft spot for poetry and passion for life, writing and traveling inspires her to write compelling stories. Apart from being an excellent writer, Octavia has an educational background in youth work and loves working with people. 

Tags: canola farmingCanola oilCommercialising farmerPodcastTeach me
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