This week’s highlights feature the Free State Agriculture Congress 2025 on 6 – 7 August, an internal auditing workshop on 6 August, free food safety training for SMEs on 7 August, and the Seafood & Wine Fest at Irene Village Mall on 9–10 August. For event submissions or more info, please email info@foodformzansi.co.za.
Happy Women’s Month, Mzansi!
Get ready for a busy week in agriculture. From 6 – 7 August, the Free State Agriculture Congress 2025 brings together top farmers, leaders, and policymakers to dive deep into resilience, leadership, and game-changing policies.
Then, on 6 August, sharpen your skills at an internal auditing workshop that could transform your food safety audits. The learning continues with free food safety training for local SMEs on 7 August.
And just when you think it’s over, the irresistible Seafood & Wine Fest at Irene Village Mall on 9–10 August will have you tasting your way through lobster, doughnuts, sushi, and so much more.
Monday 04 August
Day 1: Free State Agriculture Congress 2025
Free State Agriculture’s annual congress brings together farmers, industry leaders, and policymakers under the theme Roots of Resilience.
Highlights include a presidential address by Francois Wilken and a keynote by Prof Erwin Schwella exploring the value of wisdom in leadership. Delegates will receive updates from the government, including the MEC of agriculture, Elsabé Rockman, and strategic feedback from Dr Linde von Möllnitz.
The day will also celebrate excellence in farming with the introduction of finalists for the FSA Young Farmer and Farmers’ Association of the Year. Proceedings will close with policy discussions and the election of the new FSA president and vice-president.
When: 6 – 7 August at 1:00 pm
Click here for more information.
Tuesday 05 August
Day 2: Free State Agriculture Congress 2025
Day two of the congress will centre on policy, governance, and future planning. The programme features in-depth committee reports on key focus areas such as natural resources, commercial affairs, land and development, and rural safety. Delegates will also address internal governance matters, including financial updates from PWC, proposed constitutional amendments, and the election of regional representatives.
The day concludes with a summary of the congress, a vote of thanks, and adjournment, followed by a board-level executive discussion to set the course for the year ahead.
Click here for more information.
Wednesday 06 August
Food Safety Auditing Workshop
You’re invited to an internal auditing principles and methodology Workshop.
If your food safety auditing team is experienced but audits aren’t uncovering system issues, this workshop is for you. It offers a quick refresher to motivate your team and improve audit effectiveness.
The session is fast-paced and tailored to your current internal auditing programme. They will identify weaknesses and introduce better tools and methods, plus provide useful templates for your audits.
Click here for more information.
Thursday 07 August
Food Safety Training
Itumeleng Wellness Solutions is offering a free food safety training Programme for small business owners and vendors in the Bojanala District, North West. The training focuses on hygiene, compliance, and business growth to support 500 local SMEs.
Call 064 503 0197 or email ivy@Ituwellnesssolutions.co.za for more information.
Friday 08 August
Seafood & Wine Fest
Don’t miss the Seafood & Wine Fest at Irene Village Mall on 9–10 August 2025, 10 AM–5 PM. Free entry! Enjoy lobster, doughnuts, sushi, calamari, and more from pop-up restaurants and eateries.
Sip wine, cocktails, and bubbles while DJs and live bands keep the vibe lively. Whether you sit down or grab food court bites, it’s a fun, flavorful weekend for all. Just show up, drink, and dive in!
For enquiries, call 063 237 0373
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