Communication from AFGRI Group Holdings during the lockdown period

/in , ,

Dear valued client

South Africa will go into a national lockdown on Friday, 27 March 2020 (immediately after midnight on Thursday) to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The shutdown will last for 21 days (“the lockdown period”).

During that time, all businesses and services must shut down other than a list of exempted businesses that are considered critical to supporting the health and safety of South Africans (“exempted businesses and services”).

The exempted business and services include:

• Agricultural and food supply related operations, farming, veterinary and phytosanitary provider services, pest control services, and chemical and fertilizer providers.
• Food, beverages and essential products manufacturing and processing facilities.
• Warehousing, transport and logistics for food and essential products, and health-related goods.
• Ports, and road and rail networks will remain open in order to facilitate the import and export of essential products.
• Food outlets – retail, wholesale, spaza shops and malls for food and essential products.
• Critical banking and financial services.

Although we await the detailed regulations to be published in terms of the Disaster Management Act, it is clear that the entire agro-food value chain is considered an essential industry, and forms part of the Exempted Business and Services.

AFGRI Group Holdings, including its subsidiaries, forms part of the agro-food value chain.

Accordingly, the following businesses and services in the Group will continue operating during the lockdown period:
1. All grain silos and bunkers
2. All AFGRI Equipment branches and services
3. All UNIGRO financial services, including e-accounts;
4. All food processing and manufacturing facilities, including AFGRI Animal Feeds and AFGRI Milling
5. Hinterland (AFGRI Town and Country) retail branches

Our employees will be allowed to travel to provide these services to you.

We will continue to act lawfully and responsibly in accordance with the Disaster Management Act and its regulations and if anything changes we will contact you. Employees who are not deemed essential to be in the office or their normal place of work, will work from home. However, whether they work from home or from their normal workplace, they will continue to be contactable and provide you with the same services and products you are accustomed to.

Our clients’ and employees’ health and safety are paramount. It is also, however, important to appreciate the fact that the AFGRI Group of companies, our employees and our clients form part of the agro-food sector, which has rightfully been recognised as essential to the country fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a privilege, but also a huge responsibility.

Lastly, we wish to ensure you that the Group has the operational plans and human resources necessary to support you, our valued client, in these trying times.

We will continue to keep you updated with regards to any developments, including on our social media channels and our website.

Tinus Prinsloo
Acting Group CEO

A Message to the Agriculture and Food Sector of South Africa

/in , ,

Speaking notes by Ms. Thoko Didiza, MP Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

 

A Message to the Agriculture and Food Sector of South Africa
24 March 2020

 

As you may be aware, that last night the President announced measures to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, which include a 21-day lockdown.

Several businesses will be affected, but the agriculture and food supply sector is one of essential systems for livelihood and therefore will remain operational. Our food supply system will remain functional during this period. Agricultural production in all its forms will remain uncompromised. This includes all services including provision of veterinary and advisory services. Live auctions of livestock and sale of other agricultural commodities will continue but under the strict conditions a prescribed by the President. Exports and imports of critical agriculture commodities and the logistical measures will continue during this lock down period to ensure global and national food security.

This is not only limited to retailers but the entire food value chain, from farm-related operations, agro-processing and food manufacturing, logistics and related services, wholesale and retail services, and all support functions that ensure efficient delivery of the agro-food system.

As a nation, we boast for being self-sufficient in food production, and a part of this year’s supply is yet to be harvested – which promises to be a bumper field crop and citrus harvest – and these processes will continue as normal as a foundation of South Africa’s food system. I will be making regular updates on crop estimates to inform the country of our critical commodity supply. To ensure that we do not have inflated prices in the sector. Food price monitoring will be conducted on critical food basket commodities and reports will be given to the nation on regular bases.

The Department has set aside a package of R1.2 billion to address effects of the corona virus and ensure sustainable food production post the pandemic. The Department soon will make the details of this package together with the application channels available. The Department has also availed R100 million to the Land Bank to assist farmers under distress.

Together with the industry we are working on a sector operational procedures that would ensure adherence to the measures announced by the President this includes the provision of sanitation to employees within the sector especially farm workers.

We urge the food value chain role players to strictly comply and adhere to strict health regulations to contain and arrest COVID-19 as we strive to supply food to the nation.

I appeal to the public not to embark on panic buying, as the President has indicated. The country has sufficient food supplies. Panic buying will only cause disruptions and inconvenience in the food system. I urge you, fellow-citizens, to also be considerate and purchase that which is sufficient for your needs.

To wholesalers and retailers, we urge you not to engage in price gouging, at such a crucial time for the country. You have an important role to play in the supply of food, and the fight against COVID-19. We ask that you continue to serve the nation and help ensure food security at this critical juncture.

Ends

2020 Super Rugby tournament suspended due to COVID-19

/in ,

Following a SANZAAR Executive Committee (EXCO) teleconference in response to the announcement by the New Zealand Government that all returning travellers will have to self-isolate for 14 days, including Super Rugby players, SANZAAR believes it has no option but to suspend the 2020 Super Rugby tournament after this weekend’s matches for the foreseeable future.

Five New Zealand teams play in the 15-team Super Rugby tournament and SANZAAR completely understands the directive issued by the New Zealand Government given concerns globally over the COVID-19 virus and the primary aim to reduce exposure and spread of the virus.

SANZAR CEO Andy Marinos stated, “the safety and welfare of the public, our players and other stakeholders is paramount and as previously stated we were always going to abide by government and health authority instructions on the issue of COVID-19 containment.”

“We are extremely disappointed for the players, our fans, broadcasters, and partners but given the complexity of our competition structure, and the multiple geographies that we cover, we have no other option but to align with such directives. We also believe it is time for all those players currently overseas to return home and to be with their families.”

“Our priority is, therefore, to ensure our players are within their homes territories from the end of this weekend. SANZAAR will also remain engaged with its stakeholders and will continue to explore avenues to see if we can keep the rugby product alive within our core markets, with the possibility to be in a position to resume the tournament if at all possible in future weeks. We have currently played seven rounds out of the 18 in the normal regular season”.

Furthermore, in another move on Saturday evening/Sunday morning the Round 7 Jaguares vs Highlanders Super Rugby fixture scheduled to be played at José Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires on Saturday 14 March 2020, was cancelled in response to on-going player welfare concerns related to the COVID-19 virus. The decision came following concerns in response to the uncertainty created by the Highlanders Players and Management having to enter self-isolation upon return to New Zealand following the New Zealand governments recently announced travel restrictions.

As per SANZAAR Tournament Rules, the decision to cancel a match is made by the SANZAAR Executive Committee following consultation with key stakeholders.  Ultimately the decision is made to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, but to also maintain the integrity of the sport.

SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos stated: “SANZAAR does not take this decision lightly, but after consulting widely with key stakeholders, the SANZAAR Executive Committee has taken the necessary step to cancel the scheduled fixture with the players and team management health and welfare paramount. As stated previously while disappointed to be in this position our priority is to ensure the players currently overseas return home healthy and safely to be with their families.”

SANZAAR policy states that in the event of a match cancellation under such circumstances, the match will be officially declared a draw and both teams will receive 2 competition points.

SANZAAR will issue further information on Super Rugby 2020 and any potential rescheduled fixtures in the days ahead.

 

Loftus Versfeld set for AFGRI Prestige Schools Rugby Day

/in ,

The AFGRI Prestige Schools Rugby Day will once again be hosted at Loftus Versfeld as some of the top rugby schools from around the country descend on the stadium on Saturday, 14 March 2020.

Stellenberg, Outeniqua and Paarl Gimnasium are the latest schools to take part in the tournament which is testament to how much the tournament has grown since its inception, while schools see it has an exercise to test their capabilities against strong opposition that they usually do not get to play against.

Werner de Beer, BBCo Recruitment Manager, is an avid advocate of the AFGRI Prestige Schools Day and is looking forward to welcoming the various schools to Loftus Versfeld.

“The AFGRI Prestige Schools Rugby Day has only grown from strength to strength and this year is expected to be bigger and better than 2019. Supporters can expect quality schoolboy rugby while watching the next generation of South African rugby’s superstars.”

The #BullsFamily are encouraged to support the schools while Zappas Loftus will be showing the Vodacom Bulls and Reds match. Kick-off is 10:15.

 

View The AFGRI Prestige Schools Rugby Day match schedule below or download it here.

 

Field 1

07:40 – Garsfontein vs Florida U13

08:30 – Midstream College vs Ellisras U13

09:20 – St. Alban’s College vs Kroonstad

10:40 – EG Jansen vs Invitational XV

12:00 – Lunch

13:20 – Garsfontein vs Kempton Park

14:40 – Ellisras vs Stellenberg

16:00 – Montana vs Die Anker

17:20 – Waterkloof vs Outeniqua

18:40 – HTS Middelburg vs Boland Landbou

20:00 – Pretoria Boys High vs Paarl Gimnasium

Field 2

08:00 – Montana U14A vs Die Anker

09:00 – Montana U15A vs Die Anker

10:00 – Montana 2nds vs Die Anker

11:20 – Montana U16A vs Die Anker

12:30 – Waterkloof U14A vs EG Jansen

13:30 – Waterkloof U15A vs EG Jansen

14:30 – Waterkloof U16A vs EG Jansen

15:30 – Waterkloof 2nds vs EG Jansen

16:30 – Waterkloof 4ths vs EG Jansen

Field 3

08:00 – Montana 3rds vs Die Anker

09:00 – Montana U16B vs Die Anker

10:00 – Montana U14B vs Die Anker

11:00 – Montana U15B vs Die Anker

12:00 – Waterkloof U16B vs EG Jansen

13:00 – Montana 4ths vs Die Anker

14:00 – Waterkloof 3rds vs EG Jansen

15:00 – Waterkloof U14B vs EG Jansen

16:00 – Waterkloof U16B vs EG Jansen

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool

14:00 – Affies vs Diamantveld

 

 

Vodacom Bulls squad named for Australasian tour

/in ,

The Vodacom Bulls touring squad will depart for Australia later today as they embark on their four-week tour of Australasia.

Head coach Pote Human included the entire matchday team that beat the Highlanders last weekend except for Nafi Tuitavake with Franco Naude being named instead.

The additional players included are Dayan van der Westhuizen, Louis van der Westhuizen, Marco Jansen van Vuren and Burger Odendaal.

The Vodacom Bulls will spend two weeks in Australia where they will face the Reds and Waratahs in Brisbane and Sydney respectively before making the short trip to New Zealand to square off against the Hurricanes and Chiefs.

Human was optimistic about the tour after an emphatic 38-13 win against the Highlanders but warned against complacency.

“We needed that win to go on tour with our tails up. It has definitely boosted morale within our camp and the players are keen to build on that performance which is great because we are staring down the barrel of four matches against quality opposition with all four teams having won the competition before. We cannot afford to let our guard down, not even for a moment.”

Vodacom Bulls touring squad: Trevor Nyakane, Jaco Visagie, Lizo Gqoboka, Muller Uys, Josh Strauss, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, Ian Groenewald, Corniel Els, Gerhard Steenekamp, Wiehahn Herbst, Ryno Pieterse, Ruan Steenkamp, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Louis van der Westhuizen, Embrose Papier, Manie Libbok, Rosko Specman, Johnny Kotze, Franco Naude, Cornal Hendricks, Warrick Gelant, Ivan van Zyl, Morné Steyn, Divan Rossouw, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Burger Odendaal.

Tour fixtures:

  • 14 March – v Reds
  • 21 March – v Waratahs
  • 27 March – v Hurricanes
  • 4 April – v Chiefs

Uys and Groenewald on debut against Highlanders

/in ,

Muller Uys and Ian Groenewald will both make their Vodacom Super Rugby debuts when the Vodacom Bulls host the Highlanders on Saturday, 7 March 2020.

Uys has more than proven his worth at junior level as the no.8 led the Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 to the SA Rugby U21 Championship final last year, where they put in an emphatic effort to beat his former team, DHL Western Province U21. Groenewald has seen a fair bit of rugby with his journey starting with FNB Maties while representing DHL Western Province and Tafel Lager Griquas domestically. The 28-year-old lock also represented the Italian club, Verona.

Big things are expected from these two players as they have impressed throughout training and warm-up matches, and now have the opportunity to stake a more permanent position within the Vodacom Bulls. Their inclusion at no.8 and lock respectively is two of three changes with Ruan Nortje slotting in as Groenewald’s lock partner.

Vodacom Bulls head coach, Pote Human, made one change to the backs as Manie Libbok gets his first start of the season with Morné Steyn shifting to the bench.

The other change to the bench allows Ryno Pieterse to potentially add to his cap and is expected to provide serious power if he takes the field.

Human was straightforward when it came to explaining his selection as the team is in desperate need of their first win of the season, but did crack a smile regarding Uys and Groenewald’s upcoming debuts.

“We need to do things a little different this week, we are in Round 6 and are yet to win. Tough choices had to be made and the players and I understand what needs to be done and accept the accountability thereof. There is no doubt that we have our backs against the wall and will need to deal with that pressure to restore the pride and belief of the Loftus faithful.

“Muller and Ian have been working hard so it is great to see them being rewarded. They are both intelligent rugby players who leave nothing on the field. Congratulations to both.”

Vodacom Bulls: 15. Warrick Gelant, 14. Cornal Hendricks, 13. Nafi Tuitavake, 12. Johnny Kotze, 11. Rosko Specman, 10. Manie Libbok, 9. Embrose Papier, 8. Muller Uys, 7. Josh Strauss, 6. Marco van Staden, 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Ian Groenewald, 3. Trevor Nyakane (C), 2. Jaco Visagie, 1. Lizo Gqoboka.

Replacements: 16. Corniel Els, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Wiehahn Herbst, 19. Ryno Pieterse, 20. Ruan Steenkamp, 21. Ivan van Zyl, 22. Morné Steyn, 23. Divan Rossouw.

 

Gelant marks 50th cap with Tuitavake set for Vodacom Bulls debut

/in ,

World Cup champion, Warrick Gelant, will run out for his 50th Vodacom Super Rugby cap against a strong Jaguares outfit when the Vodacom Bulls host the Argentine team on Saturday, 29 February 2020. The high-flying fullback made his debut against the DHL Stormers back in 2016 and has scored 15 tries for the Pretoria based team.

 

Regular captain, Burger Odendaal, has been ruled out with an ankle injury which makes space for Tongan centre Nafi Tuitavake to make his Vodacom Bulls debut. The fleet-footed Tuitavake is no stranger to Vodacom Super Rugby as he amassed 20 caps for the Crusaders after making his tournament debut in 2014 before plying his trade in Europe for several seasons.

There is one change and two positional changes amongst the forwards with Marco van Staden packing down at openside flank while Jeandré Rudolph and Josh Strauss shift around the loose trio with Strauss slotting in at blindside flank and Rudolph donning the no.8 jumper.

The backline is tweaked slightly with Embrose Papier earning his first start of the season and Johnny Kotze moving to inside centre to make space for Tuitavake. The bench remains unchanged.

Vodacom Bulls captain, Trevor Nyakane, congratulated Gelant on his milestone and welcomed Tuitavake into the fold.

“The team could not be happier for Warrick. He is a quality player as evident by his World Cup medal but more than that he is a great person. His work ethic and smile are infectious and we are proud to call him a teammate.”

“It is a special occasion when any player pulls on a Vodacom Bulls jersey for the first time so we know Nafi is not only excited but also slightly nervous. It has been some time since he played in Vodacom Super Rugby but he has been explosive in training so we’re excited to see what Nafi brings to the table.”

Head coach, Pote Human, has drawn a line in the sand in terms of his expectations from the team come kick-off on Saturday. “Our backs could not be more against the wall at the moment. We have made improvements since the first match but we’re still not doing enough within 80 minutes. We need to get the result.”

Kick-off is 17:15.

Vodacom Bulls: 15. Warrick Gelant, 14. Cornal Hendricks, 13. Nafi Tuitavake, 12. Johnny Kotze, 11. Rosko Specman, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Embrose Papier, 8. Jeandré Rudolph, 7. Josh Strauss, 6. Marco van Staden, 5. Juandré Kruger, 4. Andries Ferreira, 3. Trevor Nyakane (C), 2. Jaco Visagie, 1. Lizo Gqoboka.

Replacements: 16. Corniel Els, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Wiehahn Herbst, 19. Ruan Nortje, 20. Ruan Steenkamp, 21. Ivan van Zyl, 22. Manie Libbok, 23. Divan Rossouw.

Visagie and Kotze go 50 up against Blues

/in ,

Jaco Visagie and Johnny Kotze will both run out for their 50th Vodacom Super Rugby caps against the Blues when the Vodacom Bulls return to Loftus Versfeld for the first time this season on Saturday, 22 February.

Visagie made his tournament debut for the Vodacom Bulls back in 2015 and has proven to a regular fixture in any given matchday squad while Kotze made his debut in the colours of the DHL Stormers in 2015 before moving north.

Vodacom Bulls head coach, Pote Human, has selected a relatively unchanged team with Wian Vosloo the only new face in the starting lineup. He takes over the no.7 jumper from Abongile Nonkontwana.

The bench sees two changes with Corniel Els and Ruan Steenkamp making their first appearances this season. Els replaces the injured Johan Grobbelaar while Steenkamp takes Vosloo’s place on the bench.

Vodacom Bulls captain, Burger Odendaal, was full of praise for his two teammates and their milestone.

“I’ve played with Jaco and Johnny for several seasons and they’re quality players who deserve this accolade. It’s not an easy feat to achieve 50 caps in Vodacom Super Rugby but their commitment and determination have been the cornerstone of their playing careers. The team already wants to claim a win for our loyal BullsFamily and now we have an added incentive.”

The men from Pretoria will be feeling the pressure as they are yet to register a win in 2020 but will take confidence in their ability as a unit and the fact that out of the nine matches played against the Blues at Loftus Versfeld, they have won six and drawn one.

A record the Vodacom Bulls would like to keep in the positive according to Human.

“We know that we need to win and have done our homework against the Blues with the bonus of a bye week assisting us. They remain a threat as always but if we can starve them of the ball and make our opportunities stick then that should be enough to secure a valuable win.”

Kick-off is 17:15.

Vodacom Bulls: 15. Warrick Gelant, 14. Cornal Hendricks, 13. Johnny Kotze, 12. Burger Odendaal (C), 11. Rosko Specman, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Ivan van Zyl, 8. Josh Strauss, 7. Wian Vosloo, 6. Jeandré Rudolph, 5. Juandré Kruger, 4. Andries Ferreira, 3. Trevor Nyakane, 2. Jaco Visagie, 1. Lizo Gqoboka.

Replacements: 16. Corniel Els, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Wiehahn Herbst, 19. Ruan Nortje, 20. Ruan Steenkamp, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Manie Libbok, 23. Divan Rossouw.

Emirates Lions XV v Vodacom Blue Bulls XV

/in ,

The team for the Emirates Lions XV v Vodacom Blue Bulls XV 15 February 2020, Emirates Airline Park

Match day Squad:

  1. Richard Kriel
  2. Jade Stighling
  3. Nafi Tuitavake
  4. Dawid Kellerman
  5. Gerswin Mouton
  6. Chris Smith
  7. Marco Jansen van Vuren

8.Muller Uys

7.Jaco Labuschagne

  1. Ruan Steenkamp ©
  2. Ewan Coetzee
  3. Ryno Pieterse
  4. Mornay Smith
  5. Janco Uys
  6. Kudzwai Dube

Replacements:

  1. PJ Jacobs
  2. Dewald Donald
  3. Dayan van der Westhuizen
  4. Ian Groenewald
  5. Janko Swanepoel
  6. Adre Smith
  7. Carl Els
  8. Keagan Johannes
  9. Vaughen Isaacs
  10. Diego Appollis
  11. Marnus Potgieter

 

AFGRI Agri Services, Kagiso Trust and Potatoes South Africa join forces to support new era potato farmers

/in ,

Monday, 10 February 2020 –AFGRI Agri Services, Kagiso Trust (through the Tyala Impact Fund) and Potatoes South Africa (“PSA”) today signed a ground-breaking agreement aimed at addressing the major challenges faced by South Africa’s new era farmers – access to technical support, access to finance and access to markets. The agreement will give rise to a sustainable solution that will involve the co-operation of three reputable players in their field of expertise to provide a holistic approach to these challenges.

 

Whilst initially focused on potato farming in South Africa, with the aim of establishing commercial new era potato farmers, the solution will not be limited to potatoes in the longer term, with the intention being to establish commercial new era farmers in other export crops, including avocados, grapes and apples.

 

“South Africa’s land reform process is likely to not yield the desired success if support for new era farmers does not improve considerably. Without structured support and appropriate funding, new era farmers who venture into commercial farming are bound to fail, given that commercial farming is a capital-intensive business requiring specific knowledge and support. The battle to secure support has already forced many struggling new era farmers to rent out their land to established farmers,” says Mankodi Moitse, the CEO of Kagiso Trust, one of South Africa’s leading development agencies. “If this is left unchanged, South Africa is likely to see more new era farmers being forced out of the commercial agricultural space, which will render the land reform process futile.”

 

According to Mrs Moitse, the timing of the solution was therefore opportune. “Given the potential role of agriculture in economic transformation and food security, Kagiso Trust also wants to extend its contribution beyond education and other development interventions to agriculture. As such, Kagiso Trust set up the Tyala Impact Fund, so this agreement ticked all the boxes.”

 

One of the key elements of the solution is training. According to Jacob de Villiers, the CEO of AFGRI Agri Services, new era farmers often lack good, technical ‘hands on’ training. “Through Lemang Agricultural Services, we deliver support to new era farmers aimed at improving productivity through advice, information and other critical support services. However, what has made our training and development programmes stand out in terms of the successes achieved is the support given to new era farmers by experienced mentors, who are literally in the fields training the farmers, and with them virtually every step of their development journey.”

 

Under the co-operation agreement, Lemang Agricultural Services will provide joint technical assistance and training with PSA on potatoes as well as rotational crops. Lemang’s assistance will further include co-funding – through AFGRI Agri Services’ financial services arm, UNIGRO – as well as training and mentorship in order to develop new era farmers to become full participants in the commercial agriculture value chain and to be part of the agricultural mainstream.

 

UNIGRO MD Ross Simmonds says that there is still relatively little appropriate financial support available to new era farmers. “Financiers struggle to provide funding to these farmers, given their lack of financial history and access to equity, amongst others. However, given the mentorship provided through Lemang Agricultural Services and PSA, the financial support of the Tyala Impact Fund, and UNIGRO’s deep agricultural finance knowledge, we are able to assist. Solutions can only be found through partnerships between companies committed to the sustainability of the South African agricultural sector.”

 

Access to markets is another significant requirement, and here is where both PSA and AFGRI Agri Services will be key. PSA CEO, Andre Jooste, says that required off-take agreements, i.e. the assurance from a business that it will buy the new era farmer’s produce, is vital. “Both PSA and AFGRI Agri Services have access to networks that include suppliers and technical partners in the co-op space to facilitate the required off-take agreements.”

Jooste explains that the PSA and commercial potato producers are no stranger to the development of new era farmers, and already contribute to ensuring that these farmers gain commercial producer status through PSA’s Enterprise Development programme. “The number of hectares supported by the programme increased from 37 hectares to 320 hectares over a period of eight years. During this time, two farmers, one in Limpopo and one in the Eastern Cape, graduated to commercial status, each planting more than 30 hectares of potatoes.”

 

He adds that it is imperative to establish successful partnerships with key role players in the potato value chain and beyond to support new era farmers.

 

Finally, and perhaps most critically, is access to funding, especially affordable funding. UNIGRO will be the commercial debt financier but will require the equity gap to be plugged. “This is where the Tyala Impact Fund comes in, providing funding at development returns. In addition, the extremely low average funding rate between UNIGRO’S senior debt interest rate and Tyala’s development interest rate provides an affordable repayment debt profile for new era farmers – leaving them with a sustainable farming operation yet access to cash to fund their lifestyle,” explains Teresa le Roux of Ukunika Investments, which developed and proposed the solution, and is working on other, similar initiatives in the agricultural space.

 

“We are all very excited at this unique opportunity to work together to improve the lot of new era farmers in our country and are looking forward to making a tangible and sustainable difference to the South African agricultural sector,” concludes de Villiers.