AFGRI at NAMPO 2019 to talk about growth and new service offerings

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AFGRI, one of the continent’s leading agricultural services company with core competencies to enhance, support and guide the growth of agricultural enterprises, will be at NAMPO again this year, using the unique opportunity that Africa’s foremost agricultural event offers to showcase some of the enhancements that have taken place across the business in the past 12 months.

“This is a larger AFGRI than the one that was at NAMPO in 2018, and in our view, a better one,” said AFGRI CEO, Tinus Prinsloo. The enhancements are reflected within many of our solutions, which include AFGRI Grain Management, AFGRI Equipment, UNIGRO Financial Services, Lemang Agricultural Services and more, recently AFGRI Technology Services (ATS).”

An example, added Prinsloo, is Lemang Agricultural Services, the new entity created by AFGRI to support the commercialisation of new era farmers who may have graduated out of the Harvest Time initiative created by AFGRI in 2012 to train, develop and mentor emerging  farmers. “Lemang is focused on the further development of commercial black farmers in South Africa and has been created specifically to support large farmers ready to take the final steps towards becoming full-scale commercial farmers, including offering financial assistance.”

This includes an enhanced suite of financial offerings resulting from the acquisition by parent company AFGRI Group Holdings (AGH) affiliate, GroCapital Holdings, of the majority shareholding in the South African Bank of Athens Limited (now Grobank) from the National Bank of Greece S.A., bolstering UNIGRO’s already-strong offering of agricultural finance and insurance, covering both long and short-term insurance.

Of course, the other AFGRI stalwarts will also be at NAMPO, including AFGRI Equipment, which holds the accolade of being the largest John Deere agency in southern Africa and outside of North America, and AFGRI Grain Management. “Both of these businesses have gone from strength to strength in the past year, with AFGRI Equipment having made significant progress in Western Australia, with more than 14 strategically-located branches now in place, as well as having branched into forestry and construction equipment.”

And with AGH having just brought on board three of South Africa’s foremost institutional investors to create a strategic storage platform vehicle, AFGRI Grain Silo Company, with the clear objective of expanding the current storage capacity of some 4,7 million tons to six million tons in the near future, there is no doubt that AFGRI Grain Management will also have a lot to discuss with customers.

AFGRI has also made substantial strides in terms of technology, with AGH having teamed up with specialised financial technology company, Synthesis Software Technologies, to form a joint venture to accelerate the development of innovative solutions in the agricultural technology (AgTech) space. The relationship between the two companies began in 2014 when Synthesis helped to develop UNIGRO’s financial platform, eAccounts. To date there are over 2 000 registered users, who made over R4.5 billion in payments on eAccounts in 2018, reflecting growth in payments of 25% over 2017. The platform has been a major differentiator and competitive advantage for AFGRI.

“Through the JV we will be able to take a longer-term approach to further development of eAccounts, and customers can expect to see more features, more innovation, and more value from the platform through strategic updates.”

Within AFGRI itself, the ATS team has a focus on AgTech and is engaging with our farmers to keep them apprised of the latest innovations in this field, and to develop our own AgTech solutions appropriate for their needs. ATS aims to be the catalyst of innovation and technology-enabled solutions to drive sustainable agricultural growth across the African and global agricultural value chain.

Finally, AFGRI will use the opportunity offered by NAMPO to spread the news about the AFGRI Support Fund with the South African farming community. The Fund was launched recently to support those involved in the agricultural sector who are in dire need of financial assistance.  “We want to make a meaningful difference in the areas we operate in, aside from our service and product offerings, as there are times that people just need a partner who cares. We have therefore established this Fund into which we have made an initial injection of R3 million.”

Prinsloo went on to say that he hoped that those so inclined would also contribute towards the Fund,  which has been established in order to extend financial support to beneficiaries in the agricultural sector, focusing on those operating within the AFGRI ecosystem and geographic areas. The aim is to grow the Fund to be sustainable into the future as a beacon of agricultural community support.

“The perils of farming are enormous, and to have an organisation that cares enough to lend a helping hand can mean a great deal,” adds Jacob de Villiers, the CFO of AFGRI.

We look forward to seeing you at NAMPO 2019 – please visit us at stand E29.

Access to finance, training and entrepreneurship critical to building SA’s black farming community

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Centurion, 15 April 2019 – This is according to AFGRI’s recently-renamed Lemang Agricultural Services, created specifically to train, develop and mentor new era farmers, and focused on the further development of commercial black farmers in South Africa, particularly large farmers ready to take the final steps towards becoming full-scale commercial farmers. This includes offering financial assistance, thus helping them to flourish in a sustainable manner.

“With food security becoming an increasing concern for South Africa and the rest of the continent, it’s important that agribusinesses such as AFGRI get behind our farmers, particularly black farmers wanting to take the next step into full commercialisation. And with agriculture being the key driver of food security, AFGRI is fully supportive of bringing a new generation of successful farmers into production to ensure the sector continues to thrive,” says Marion Shikwinya, who heads up Lemang Agricultural Services.

“We are very excited about the opportunities that agriculture offers, but there is a need to recognise the constraints that many new era farmers face. The first of these is the lack of access to affordable credit. Many are not able to access credit facilities to finance their operations, including state-of-the-art equipment and other new technologies required to increase production, and produce high-quality crops or livestock.”

Shikwinya adds that AFGRI – a leading agricultural services company with core competencies to enhance, support and guide the growth of agricultural enterprises – has a wide range of financial services that they are looking at adapting to support new era farmers.

Lemang itself has an enviable track record of success in assisting new era farmers, having trained and supported over 650 farmers in the past four years (in its previous capacity as Harvest Time Investments), resulting in over 18,400 hectares being planted, some 660 permanent jobs being created, and a total yield of 49,873 tonnes. On average, farm income has tripled in cases where Lemang has supported the farmer.

According to Operations Manager, Bankies Malan, the team can bring this track record to bear on assisting farmers overcome another stumbling block, which is the lack of access to information and training.

“Training – and access to the right information – is vital for farmers to succeed. Agribusinesses such as ours have huge role to play in ensuring our farmers are not only trained in the latest farming techniques but are also mentored and given relevant business skills. Knowing how to run a business is integral to growing a successful farming enterprise.”

Malan says that while many systems put in place to help black farmers have failed due to a lack of funding or skills, particularly in rural areas, farmers should also think more innovatively, and not simply wait for assistance.

An easy solution he believes could work is for smaller new era farmers in rural areas to form “study groups”, allowing them to learn from external experts, who could be invited to attend the sessions, and from one another, a major source of knowledge-sharing, at the same time.

However, critical to this kind of out-the-box thinking is a true desire to succeed as a farmer. “It takes real entrepreneurial spirit to set up this kind of initiative, but the benefits are huge, with farmers being able to tap into relevant knowledge when they need it, which will in turn inspire a spirit of independency and drive sustainable success.”

In fact, says Malan, entrepreneurial drive and a true passion for farming are foremost on the list of criteria for qualifying for the Lemang New Era Farmer Development Programme.

He adds that communication also has a role to play connecting farmers with one another and to support systems. “Modern mobile technology makes it so much easier to get farmers around the table to learn from one another and from others. In fact, it’s essential that we all capitalise on this technology, and explore better ways of connecting as a farming community.”

Malan believes that if such ecosystems are established and are fully connected – to each farmer in a specific area through the study groups, as well as to other groups around the country using affordable and readily-available mobile technology – this scenario could give rise to mega farming communities across South Africa.

“Imagine the power this will give new era farmers. With access to the right information when they need it, as well as access to training, mentoring and funding through companies like ours, they could be easily be fully integrated into the agricultural value chain.”

Until such time, though, Shikwinya and the team at Lemang Agricultural Services, are hard at work, spreading the word about their offerings and hoping to reach as many new era farmers as possible.

                                                                                                                                                                                      

 

Loftus to turn green in support of SANParks

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Loftus to turn green in support of SANParks

The Vodacom Bulls have teamed up with South African National Parks (SANParks) and Wild Card to create awareness about the extraordinary effort that SANParks rangers put in on a daily basis, as they protect our beautiful national parks around South Africa.  These unsung heroes will beng honoured at our next home Vodacom Super Rugby match against the Reds on Saturday, 13 April 2019.

 

The men from Pretoria will play in their green away strip, a design by our apparel sponsor PUMA that pays tribute to SANParks, and in so doing, will further drive home their commitment to what SANParks does as guardians of our heritage.

 

SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni says that support from one of the biggest sports teams in South Africa will go a long way in creating awareness for conservation and our men and women in green. “One of the biggest challenges to conservation in the 21st Century is wildlife crime and without the help of all people we will not halt the attack on our natural heritage. We are thankful to the Vodacom Bulls for joining the conservation effort to help conserve our natural heritage for future generations.”

 

Several SANParks rangers, or as we at Loftus Versfeld like to call them: superheroes, will be in attendance at the game and will also walk a lap of honour.

 

Vodacom Bulls captain, Handrè Pollard, stated, “This cause is close to the player’s hearts and that they will rise to occasion to honour our rangers who put their lives on the line to protect our heritage.”

 

“There is nothing better for South Africans to experience than to spend time at one of our many national parks and our enjoyment of this would not be possible without the excellent work that SANParks does.”

 

“We love playing in front of our supporters in the hallowed Vodacom Bulls jersey and we will have the privilege of facing the Reds with some of SANParks rangers in attendance which serves as extra motivation to play our best game.”

 

There will be activities for our loyal supporters to enjoy on the day and those that do attend are urged to wear their green Vodacom Bulls jersey, something green.

 

SANParks would not be able to do what they do without the generosity of the public with donations being able to be made on their website, www.sanparks.org, or by sending an SMS to 40401 at a cost of R20.

For Media Enquiries:
Ms Janine Raftopoulos
Head of Corporate Communications
South African National Parks (SANParks)
Tel: +27 (0)12 426 5170
Cell: +27(0)71 444 3121
Email: Janine.raftopoulos@sanparks.org

Or

Mr Shanil Mangaroo

Media & Communications

Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +27 (0)12 420 0829
Cell: +27 (0) 82 856 9548

Email: shanilm@bluebull.co.za

 

 

Six Springboks back for Vodacom Bulls to face Reds

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Vodacom Bulls coach, Pote Human, named Springboks Warrick Gelant, Jesse Kriel, Handré Pollard, Ivan van Zyl, Marco van Staden and RG Snyman in his starting team to play the Reds at Loftus Versfeld and made wholesale changes to the side that dropped a close result against the Jaguares last weekend.

Gelant returns from injury and takes over from Divan Rossouw at fullback, with the latter dropping to the bench, while Kriel and Pollard return after sitting out due to World Cup protocols. They replace Dylan Sage and Manie Libbok, with the flyhalf moving back to the bench.

Van Staden and Snyman are back in the team for the first time in this season’s Vodacom Super Rugby competition, having missed the opening part due to injury. They replace Ruan Steenkamp and Eli Snyman, who both picked up injuries against the Jaguares.

Human rotated Van Zyl and Papier again, with Van Zyl starting for the third time this season. Duane Vermeulen is rested due to Bok protocols, allowing Paul ‘Tier’ Schoeman a first start this season at no 8.
Hanro Liebenberg swops places with Jannes Kirsten, with the latter moving to lock, while a fit-again Jaco Visagie will start at hooker. Corniel Els reverts to the bench.

On the bench, Roelof Smit makes a first appearance for the season having recovered from injury, while there is also a potential first appearance for prop Wiehan Herbst.

The front rower played for the Cell C Sharks earlier in his career, before moving to Ulster, from where he joined the Vodacom Bulls. He played the last of his 40 VSR matches in 2014.

The team (with VSR caps and points) is: Warrick Gelant (38, 65), Johnny Kotze (37, 45), Jesse Kriel (67, 95), Burger Odendaal (47, 20), Jade Stighling (3, 5), Handré Pollard (c; 52, 535), Ivan van Zyl (24, 0), Paul Schoeman (25, 35), Hanro Liebenberg (35, 15), Marco van Staden (16, 10), RG Snyman (39, 10), Jannes Kirsten (23, 10), Trevor Nyakane (98, 15), Jaco Visagie (37, 5), Lizo Gqoboka (44, 10).

 

Replacements: Corniel Els (7, 0), Simphiwe Matanzima (7, 0), Wiehan Herbst (40, 0), Thembelani Bholi, (34, 5) Roelof Smit (25, 15), Embrose Papier (17, 5), Manie Libbok (11, 28), Divan Rossouw (17, 15).

AFGRI Group Holdings and an investor consortium create a strategic commodity/grain storage platform to support growth and strengthen food security

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Centurion, 8 April 2019 – AFGRI Group Holdings (“AGH”), the investment holding company with interests in food, agriculture and financial services related companies providing products and services to ensure sustainable agriculture and food security (collectively, the “AFGRI Group”), today announced the creation of a strategic grain storage platform vehicle in collaboration with a consortium of leading South African institutional investors to enable the growth of grain storage capacity in South Africa and on the continent and to strengthen food security in the region.

As background to the transaction, Chris Venter, the CEO of AGH, explains that in 2011 the AFGRI Group sold its debtors’ book to the Land and Agricultural Bank of South Africa (“Land Bank”) with a clear vision of gaining access to a stronger balance sheet and the ability to expand its lending capabilities to offer a broader base of financial support to farmers.

“Since then the AFGRI Group has substantially increased its debtors’ book, growing it more than fivefold in value from 2011. The number of loans to farmers has also increased considerably from 1,290 to 8,620 farmers. The Group has expanded its financial service offerings across all nine provinces, financing not only grain production but various other commodities. Through the recent acquisition of the South African Bank of Athens, we are today able to offer a wide range of additional banking products to farmers.”

Venter said that using a similar approach, the AFGRI Group is now pleased to announce the creation of a strategic storage platform vehicle, AFGRI Grain Silo Company Proprietary Limited (“AFGRI Grain Silo Company”) – which has the clear objective of expanding its current storage capacity of some 4,7 million tons to six million tons in the near future. “This will allow us to not only cater for grain storage, but to expand into the storage of other types of commodities,” says Venter.

Three new institutional investors have committed to invest alongside the Group and its current BEE employee partner, Izitsalo Employee Investments, in the platform and through this, to support AFGRI’s strategy for growth and food security. The three institutional investment partners are STANLIB Infrastructure Investments, Wiphold, and the Land Bank. This investment consortium will initially own storage facilities with a total value of R3,6 billion at inception.

Venter continued, “AFGRI Operations Proprietary Limited (“AFGRI Operations”) will manage the storage facilities on behalf of AFGRI Grain Silo Company in terms of an evergreen management agreement. This arrangement provides the strategic benefit of AFGRI’s excellent track record in managing storage operations, and deep experience of the sector.”

AFGRI Operations will continue to be a JSE Approved Storage Operator for all the grain silos, while the grain silos will continue to be JSE Approved Silos and JSE registered delivery points.

This transaction will assist AFGRI to achieve four strategic objectives, namely: (i) the creation of a strategic storage platform with a focus on expanding across Africa; (ii) partnering with reputable South African institutional investors; (iii) unlocking the value of AFGRI’s grain storage assets, the proceeds from which will be used to further expand AFGRI’s financial services reach and support for farmers; and (iv) entrenching AFGRI’s reputation as the foremost long-term services provider to farmers and the agricultural industry. The Group’s current 4,7 million tonne storage footprint consists of grain silos and bunker complexes throughout six provinces in South Africa.

“High-quality commodity storage and related services is in demand by our customers, and through the consortium, we aim to ensure that we enter new areas across South Africa and simultaneously grow capacity,” said Jacob de Villiers, MD of AFGRI Grain Management.

“For clients making use of our silo and bunker facilities, it is business as usual,” de Villiers indicated. Farmers and grain silo users will continue to experience AFGRI Grain Management’s proven expertise and track record on an ongoing and uninterrupted basis.”

The effective date of the transaction is 31 March 2019 and all suspensive conditions to the transaction have been fulfilled.

 

 

 

ELS TO MAKE FIRST START FOR VODACOM BULLS

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Corniel Els will make his first run-on appearance for the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday, when the home side takes on the Jaguares at Loftus Versfeld at 15h05.

The hooker, who played all six Vodacom Super Rugby matches for the Vodacom Bulls off the bench, will replace Schalk Brits, who misses out due to suspension.

The 25-year old former Junior Springbok is one of seven changes to the starting team named by Head Coach, Pote Human, for the clash against the South Americans.

Handré Pollard and Jesse Kriel will be rested due to World Cup protocols and will be replaced by Manie Libbok and Dylan Sage respectively, with Duane Vermeulen taking over the captaincy.

Jade Stighling will also play in the starting team for the first time this year, taking over from Rosko Specman, with Johnny Kotze on the other wing and Cornal Hendricks dropping to the bench.

In a positional change, Hanro Liebenberg moves back to lock in place of Jason Jenkins, who has a niggle and was ruled out on Wednesday.

Jannes Kirsten will start at flank and his place on the bench will be taken by Thembelani Bholi.

There are more changes to the bench as well, where Jaco Visagie is due to make a first appearance in the tournament this season. Visagie is fit again following injury and will be keen to have a go. JT Jackson will cover as flyhalf and comes onto the bench.

Human said the squad prepared well and is keen to continue their winning momentum against a dangerous opponent.

“The Jaguares are very, very competitive and have shown that they can win away from home. We will be looking for some consistency in performance and we need to play better when at home, as we have some of the best home support in the competition. We have rested some players, but the new guys are all very keen to make a contribution and I expect a massive effort from all of them.”

For new Vodacom Bulls captain, Duane Vermeulen, the challenge will be as much coming from the opponents as themselves.

“We were way under par when we last played them so we owe ourselves a proper performance against the Jaguares. It is nothing personal, but we would love to get one over them this time. The South African conference is so tight, we cannot afford another slip-up at home.”

The team (with Super Rugby caps and points) is:
Divan Rossouw (16, 15), Johnny Kotze (36, 45), Dylan Sage (5, 0), Burger Odendaal (47, 20), Jade Stighling (2, 0), Manie Libbok (10, 13), Embrose Papier (16, 5), Duane Vermeulen (c; 115, 45), Jannes Kirsten (22, 10), Ruan Steenkamp (16, 0), Eli Snyman (5, 0), Hanro Liebenberg (34, 15), Trevor Nyakane (97, 15), Corniel Els (6, 0), Lizo Gqoboka (43, 10).

 

Replacements: Jaco Visagie (36, 5), Simphiwe Matanzima (6, 0), Conraad van Vuuren (18, 5), Thembelani Bholi (33, 5), Tim Agaba (4, 0), Ivan van Zyl (23, 0), JT Jackson (1, 0), Cornal Hendricks (32, 55).

ODENDAAL,STEENKAMP RETURN FOR VODACOM BULLS AGAINST CHIEFS

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Midfielder Burger Odendaal and flanker Ruan Steenkamp will make a return to the Vodacom Bulls run-on team against the Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday as coach Pote Human made minimal changes to his team’s fifth Vodacom Super Rugby match of the season.

The return to fitness for both regular starters results in Dylan Sage and Tim Agaba moving to the bench and Paul Schoeman dropping out of the squad altogether.

Eli Snyman, who missed the win against the Cell C Sharks two weeks ago, has also regained fitness and will take his place on the bench, with Tembelani Bholi dropping out. Divan Rossouw also comes straight into the starting line-up at fullback for the injured Warrick Gelant.

Handré Pollard retains the captaincy.

Human said it was important to keep on rewarding good performances, but the experience of Odendaal (45 matches) and the ability of Steenkamp as breakdown specialist was needed for this clash against the Chiefs.

“Both Burger and Ruan will have very important roles to play on Saturday as we expect the Chiefs to come from all angles. They have nothing to lose and we need to be very clinical in certain areas if we want to contain them,” Human explained.

“I expect Dylan and Tim to make significant contributions when they take to the field later in the match.”

Human said the squad is doing well.

“I am happy with the improvement and growth we have shown so far in the competition. It is still early days, but we managed to tick some boxes in the first month of the competition. The New Zealand challenge will test us in different ways though.”

For Pollard, the Chiefs remain a very tough opponent.

“They have this ability to make things look so easy at times and are very quick to turn defence into attack. Their ability to score from anywhere is assisted by a sound first phase game, so this is going to be a huge challenge for us.”

The captain, who scored a try against the Chiefs last year, called on the Loftus faithful for support.

“They cannot play on our behalf, but having a full Loftus behind you, does give the squad a lift. It would be nice to have a good crowd in, there can be no doubt that it is going to be a very entertaining match.”

The squad to play the Chiefs (with Super caps and points) is: Divan Rossouw (14, 15), Cornal Hendricks (30, 55), Jesse Kriel (65, 85), Burger Odendaal (45, 15), Rosko Specman (4, 20), Handre Pollard (50, 511), Ivan van Zyl (21, 0), Duane Vermeulen (113, 45), Jannes Kirsten (20, 10), Ruan Steenkamp (14, 0), Jason Jenkins (44, 35), Hanro Liebenberg (32, 15), Trevor Nyakane (95, 15), Schalk Brits (67,20), Lizo Gqoboka (41, 10).

Replacements: Corniel Els (4, 0), Simphiwe Matanzima (4, 0), Dayan van der Westhuyzen (14, 0), Eli Snyman (3, 0), Tim Agaba (3, 0), Embrose Papier (14, 5), Manie Libbok (9, 13), Dylan Sage (4, 0).

VODACOM BULLS SWEEP PAST CELL C SHARKS

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The Vodacom Bulls extended their winning streak over the Cell C Sharks to four straight wins with a 37-14 Vodacom Super rugby victory at their home ground of Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

The Vodacom Bulls led the scoreboard throughout the match forcing the Sharks to chase through from the third minute when Handre Pollard opened the scoring with a penalty. The victory means that the Vodacom Bulls remain unbeaten against South African sides as they have only lost to the Jaguares in the South African Conference.

The result moves the Vodacom Bulls up to first place in the South African conference and second in the overall conference behind tournament leaders the Crusaders. The home side outscored the Sharks by three tries to two in the contest so they earn four points from the match while the Sharks will return home without earning a point.

Next week the Vodacom Bulls have a bye. They return in round six with a match at home in Pretoria against the Chiefs while the Sharks are also at home where they will host the Rebels.

Scorers

Vodacom Bulls 37 (19) – Tries: Jesse Kriel, Rosko Specman (2). Conversions: Handre Pollard (2). Penalties: Pollard (6). Drop Goal: Pollard.
Cell C Sharks 14 (0) – Tries – Jeremy Ward, Dan du Preez.Conversions: Robert du Preez (2)

Van Zyl to start for Vodacom Bulls

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The Vodacom Bulls prepare to take on the Cell C Sharks this weekend at Loftus Versfeld in another much-anticipated Vodacom Super Rugby Marvel inspired derby.

Vodacom Bulls coach, Pote Human, made three positional changes to the team that left Johannesburg with a victory last weekend and three to the bench, where Paul Schoeman is set for a first appearance for the Vodacom Bulls.

Human swopped Ivan van Zyl and Embrose Papier at scrumhalf, with the more experienced Van Zyl starting and his fellow Springbok playing off the bench this time, while Tim Agaba and Jannes Kirsten will form a new loose trio with Duane Vermeulen.

Agaba and Kirsten played off the bench against the Emirates Lions last week and comes in for Hanro Liebenberg and Ruan Steenkamp. Liebenberg moves to lock in place of Eli Snyman though.

On the bench, Tembelani Bholi and Schoeman, who played for the Toyota Cheetahs 24 times in Super Rugby, will fill the empty seats left by Agaba and Kirsten.

Human said the team is keen to reproduce the form they showed in the opening match at Loftus Versfeld, when they outplayed the DHL Stormers.

“We did not play well the next weekend in Argentina, but delivered a much better effort last weekend, so I am confident that we will be up for this one as well. The local derbies certainly brings out the best in our teams, so this will be a physical, hard-fought affair again.”

For Pollard, the upward curve remains a priority. “We had a speed bump, but generally we are growing nicely and that’s what it is about. We have to adapt with one or two new faces coming into the starting team,but we all know what needs to be done on the day,” the captain said.

The Vodacom Bulls have lost, amongst others, Johnny Kotze, Burger Odendaal and Lood de Jager to injury already.

Kick-off is at 17h15.

The team (with caps and points) is: Warrick Gelant (37, 65), Cornal Hendricks (29, 55), Jesse Kriel (64, 80), Dylan Sage (3, 0), Rosko Specman (3, 10), Handré Pollard (c; 49, 489), Ivan van Zyl (20, 0), Duane Vermeulen (v/c; 112, 45), Tim Agaba (2,0), Jannes Kirsten (19, 10), Jason Jenkins (43, 35), Hanro Liebenberg (31, 15), Trevor Nyakane (94, 15), Schalk Brits (64, 20), Lizo Gqoboka (40, 10). Replacements: Corniel Els (3, 0), Simphiwe Matanzima (3, 0), Dayan van der Westhuizen (13, 0), Tembelani Bholi (32, 5), Paul Schoeman (24, 25), Embrose Papier (13, 5), Manie Libbok (9, 13), Divan Rossouw (14, 15).

 

The Vodacom Bulls are #TacklingCancer in the Vodacom Super Rugby for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation:

https://www.givengain.com/cc/vodacom-bulls-are-tacklingcancer-in-vodacom-super-rugby/

AFGRI commits R3 million to the establishment of the AFGRI Support Fund

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Centurion, 5 March 2019 – AFGRI, a leading agricultural services company with core competencies to enhance, support and guide the growth of agricultural enterprises in South Africa and further afield, has launched a not-for-profit company to assist those in dire financial need involved in the agricultural sector in South Africa. The Fund will operate in the geographic areas of the country where AFGRI operates but won’t be limited to AFGRI clients.

Tinus Prinsloo, CEO of AFGRI, indicated that “We want to make a meaningful difference in the areas we operate in, aside from our service and product offerings, as there are times that people just need a partner who cares. We have therefore established this Fund into which we have made an initial injection of R3 million.”

He went on to say that he hoped that those so inclined would also contribute towards the Fund, which has been established in order to extend financial support to beneficiaries in the agricultural sector, focusing on those operating within the AFGRI ecosystem and geographic areas. The aim is to grow the Fund to be sustainable into the future as a beacon of agricultural community support.

“The perils of farming are enormous, and to have an organisation that cares enough to lend a helping hand can mean a great deal,” said Jacob de Villiers, the CFO of AFGRI.

Farming is a profession with a myriad of moving parts and possibly thousands of decisions to be made and just as many possible impacts to manage. There are times that no matter how dedicated, diligent and committed a farmer is, the elements step in and upset the apple cart. During the past two years farmers across South Africa have had to contend with drought conditions, hail, foot and mouth disease, armyworm invasions and wildfires, to name but a few.

AFGRI stepping in to help is not a recent development but has been part of the company’s ethos since it was established over 95 years ago. More recently, in 2016 during one of the worst droughts ever recorded in South Africa, AFGRI donated R5 million in drought aid to farmers. It also offered a zero increase on storage fees for a period, knowing that these gestures would assist farmers caught in the grips of the drought.

Similarly, in 2017 AFGRI partnered with farmers in the Free State and the KZN Midlands, as far afield as Bothaville, Koppies, Danielsrus and Tweeling, to facilitate a process through which large-scale hay donations could be sent to farms in the Thornhill district in the Eastern Cape. The donation amounted to more than a 1 000 round bales. AFGRI Grain Producers further donated maize for trading, using the proceeds to support the project.

The AFGRI Support Fund is not a development fund or a sponsorship vehicle. “Within our service offering, we have Lemang Agricultural Services, a dedicated division focusing on new-era farmer development. Our Fund will focus purely on assisting people in need, based on the merits of each case,” explained Prinsloo.

De Villiers, along with Marion Shikwinya and Ross Simmonds, all senior executives within the AFGRI Group, are the directors of the Fund and will be responsible for the evaluation and disbursements of requests received. “As mentioned, the Fund is registered as a not-for-profit company, with all contributions treated in terms of the Tax Act and thus donations will be deductible,” said de Villiers.

Throughout the year AFGRI will make use of a host of events to raise money for the Fund, including golf and farmers days, as well as ad hoc opportunities, and will also be accepting contributions from external individuals and organisations. AFGRI itself has committed to an annual donation of a minimum of R3 million. In addition, AFGRI will continue to have an account into which farmers are able to donate grain for sale, the proceeds of which will be transferred to the Fund account.

When asked what drove the establishment of the Fund, Prinsloo explained that “We know all too well the publicised issues and get asked by so many to assist. We also want to ensure that support reaches those in need as much too often donations don’t reach those who truly need them.”

“We want control and to have a focused approach,” added de Villiers, saying that the Fund will be audited and reports published, not only to AFGRI’s shareholders but also to those donating money.

AFGRI is committed to and follows strict corporate governance procedures and the AFGRI Support Fund is no different. “Both the impact and the measurement of the difference we are making will be noted with the purpose of continual improvement to safeguard a growing and sustainable Fund.

“This will ensure that financial support is available to all involved in agriculture in the long-term. In this way AFGRI will continue to make a positive impact on the agricultural sector in our country, just as we have for the past nine decades and more,” concluded de Villiers.

Two e-mail addresses have been created for those in need of financial support to apply for funding, which are hulp@afgri.co.za and support@afgri.co.za. Please note that all requests will be subject to certain criteria, and due process. More information will be placed on the AFGRI website (www.afgri.co.za) from mid-March onwards.