Without farmers, there can be no South Africa, but without communities, there can be no farmers either.
The gradual decline of rural South Africa reflects broader social issues in the country. From education to healthcare, roads to water supply, social cohesion to employment—whatever is a problem in South Africa is likely worse in the rural areas of our vast countryside.
This is further exacerbated by poor municipal management and a frightening shortage of skills. Selective law enforcement worsens an already dire situation.
How do we ensure that rural communities not only survive but also thrive?
“As a publication that has been serving rural South Africa for over a century, Landbouweekblad not only has a responsibility to help revive rural South Africa but also knows the people who are already making a difference by building better, richer, and more inclusive rural communities,” says Chris Burgess, editor-in-chief of Landbouweekblad.
“South Africa’s decline can simply no longer be tolerated or afforded. That’s why on 20 and 21 February 2024, we are hosting the conference with the theme ‘Solutions for South Africa’s Platteland’ at Nampo Park, Bothaville.”
Francois Strydom, CEO of Senwes, the main sponsor of the conference, says the problems facing rural South Africa are not new.
“But if we don’t take effective action to come up with solutions for the countryside, nothing will change. Agriculture is and remains the lifeline of the countryside, and Senwes, as a stakeholder in the sector, has a significant task.
“We want to involve stakeholders from all sectors in this conference—from businesses, local interest groups, and civil society—to bring about a turnaround,” he says.
Based on the format of Landbouweekblad’s highly successful Bela-Bela Grondberaad in 2018, the most successful case studies of ordinary South Africans building better communities will be showcased.
“We hope to create significant momentum for collaboration and partnerships through this platform. Agriculture, as a reservoir of great management and technical skills, as well as the ability to act as an economic multiplier, often plays a decisive role in reversing the tide of rural decay,” says Chris.
“All conference content will be summarised in a single, interactive, digital hub. The latter will work in synergy with a steering committee of ‘elders’ to ensure that we maintain momentum.”
Visit Landbou.com for the list of the speakers.
“By bringing together more than 60 key participants and sharing success stories of upliftment and hope, we want to inspire South Africans to take the bull by the horns and ensure that rural South Africa not only survives but thrives.”
Date: February 20 and 21, 2024
Venue: Nampo Park, Bothaville
Tickets: R1 750 (VAT included, this amount includes the conference, meals and refreshments on both days, an evening event on the first night, and all information sessions). A ticket also includes 12 months’ access to Landbou.com worth R1 800.
Tickets are available on Quicket at https://qkt.io/Platteland.
Businesses/institutions can also purchase a table for TEN people for R15,000.
Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to purchase tables or for more information.
