More than 100 participants attended the third Annual AFASA Young Farmers Summit recently held in Johannesburg. Nono Sekhoto, AFASA’s Youth Chairperson, describes the two-day event as a major success, potentially leading to many opportunities for young farmers.
When building a legacy, we grow, transform and sustain. Dr. Vuyo Mahlati, AFASA President
AFASA President Dr. Vuyo Mahlati reminded young farmers that “building a legacy is about building a solid foundation, not as a BEE partner to tick an empowerment box. When building a legacy, we grow, transform and sustain.”
 TV Personality Ivor Price (pictured right) hosted the first day of AFASA’s Young Farmers Summit. He also led panel discussions in which young farmers talked frankly about some of the challenges facing them.
 Young farmers in attendance stood the chance of winning access to various business support to further develop their farming enterprises.
 Nono Sekhoto, AFASA Youth Chairperson, says the aim of the Young Farmers Summit was to mobilise young farmers as well as support from stakeholders in the agriculture industry. Nono is also the founder of AFASA’s youth desk.
 TV Personality Ivor Price (pictured left) hosted a panel discussion on the importance of mentorship for young, black farmers. The panelists included (from left to right) Johan Kriel (Grain SA), Duncan Serapelwane (a Bonsmara farmer), Mbalientle Siphengane and Tshilidzi Matshidzula.
 More than 100 young farmers gathered at AFASA’s Annual Young Farmers’ Summit under the theme “Building a New Legacy”. They shared experiences and discussed their future contribution to food security in South Africa.
 This year’s AFASA Young Farmers Summit included delegates from both the private and public sector.
 AFASA President, Dr. Vuyo Mahlati, urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to support the local farmer enablement programme designed to accelerate the effective commercialisation of black farmers. Last year, following AFASA’s plea for the provision of support to smallholder farmers, government committed itself to support the commercialisation programme for 450 black smallholder farmers per year.
