When Anton Rabe, managing director of Hortgro, came up with the idea for Agri’s Got Talent, he wanted it to be more than just a singing competition. Instead, he wanted it to be a platform that empowered farmworkers by giving them the opportunity to shine and showcase their diverse talents.
The competition and life skills programme has since become a highlight of the agricultural calendar, with contestants being good enough to compete in the top 10 of any international talent show.
More importantly, the platform is succeeding in changing the lives of the participants, allowing them to become more effective in their families, communities, and jobs, and shining a light on the value of farmworkers in South Africa.
UNLOCKING NEW OPPORTUNITIES
This year’s winner, Chester Fisch, wowed the crowd with his extraordinary voice and dance moves while singing Michael Jackson’s ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’, and then showed his diversity with his second song, the politically inspired ‘A Change Is gonna come’ by Sam Cooke.
But Chester’s life has not been easy up until now. The now 28-year-old dropped out of school in Grade 10 and has been a seasonal worker for almost two years after moving from Johannesburg to the Western Cape. He was employed at Mountain Ridge Cellar in the Breedekloof region, where he pumped wine between tanks, and then at De Kyker Farm in Wolseley, where he learnt to pick pears and peaches.
“Not finishing school closed doors for me,” he says. “This has taught me that I need to work extra hard if I want to realise my dreams and give my two-year-old daughter, Leilani Sesesane, a better life.”
Chester has been singing from a young age and always wanted to become a performer. “Remembering how my uncles used to sing along with the radio when they visited us is one of my fondest childhood memories.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
