Agriculture, innovation and women’s empowerment took centre stage at the High Tea Ekurhuleni Farm Expo held on August 28 at the Kwa-Thema Family Skills Centre.

The event, themed ‘Where Tea Meets Agriculture’, brought together farmers, community members, local leaders and other stakeholders for a day focused on agricultural development, knowledge sharing and community empowerment.

The expo was hosted by the Greater Ekurhuleni Integrated Stakeholders Forum, formerly known as the Kwa-Thema Stakeholders Forum, in partnership with Imbewu Enhle Agro-Farm, Mvuleni Farming Solutions, and many other exhibitors, as well as the City of Ekurhuleni.

The programme included a tour to Wethoek Farm Land, followed by an exhibition at the Kwa-Thema Family Skills Centre.

Participants had the opportunity to engage with farming innovations, agricultural products and different farming techniques.

Fresh produce, including leafy greens and root vegetables, as well as seed varieties, formed part of the agricultural displays.

The forum’s spokesperson, Alcum Molapo, said that exhibitors also showcased natural products such as B+ Leaf Oil and rosemary essential oils, demonstrating the links between agriculture, wellness and sustainable living.

He shared that the event also emphasised the importance of knowledge sharing. He said that the hands-on demonstrations allowed attendees to learn more about farming techniques, seed varieties, and product innovations.

At the same time, discussions encouraged collaboration and knowledge transfer within local food systems.

“Through the gathering, organisers sought to strengthen relationships between farmers, innovators, community members and agricultural stakeholders while encouraging sustainable development in Ekurhuleni,” shared Molapo.

Founder of Imbewu Enhle and one of the exhibitors, Busiswe Magasela, expressed that being part of this expo allowed them to learn from various farmers, entrepreneurs, and producers who contribute to the agricultural sector in many different ways.

She said that one of the things that stood out to her the most was realising just how broad agriculture really is.

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She added that agriculture goes far beyond crops and livestock, and that she had the opportunity to learn about animal health, oil extraction, CBD production, value addition, and many other areas that form part of this incredible industry.

“For us as farmers, these experiences are important because they expand our knowledge and open our minds to opportunities we may not have considered before.

“It reminded us that agriculture is not just about producing food; it is also about innovation, entrepreneurship, processing, job creation and building sustainable businesses.

“I strongly believe that agriculture is one of the fundamental sectors that keeps our economy moving.

“It creates opportunities for young people, supports livelihoods, contributes to food security and has the potential to create thousands of jobs across the value chain,” stated Magasela.

Magasela believes events like the high tea are important because they bring people together, allow them to share knowledge and learn from one another and encourage more people to see agriculture as a viable and exciting career and business opportunity.

The forum expressed its appreciation to Food Town Hyper (Savemoor) Fresh Produce Market, Amos Mosetlwa from the City of Ekurhuleni’s Agriculture Department, and Social Development at the Kwa-Thema Family Skills Centre, as well as the farmers and partners who contributed to the success of the event.