The South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers (SAIAE) in partnership with South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) and Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) will be presenting the CPD (Continuous Professional Development) accredited Biennial Symposium 2022 at Fairview Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort in Tzaneen.  “We look forward to hosting all SAIAE members at the Fairview Hotel in Tzaneen for a long-awaited in person multi-day CPD event.

“We have established that the agriculture sector and engineers practicing in the agricultural industry are generating world class solutions in government departments, in the private sector and in research organisations,” said president of SAIAE, Thabo Mavundza during a launch event of the symposium. This event has over the years housed over 200 local and international engineers and scientists, who have shared knowledge and insight on local and international case studies, cutting-edge technology in the agricultural sector, and new, exciting, and innovative solutions in the agricultural industry.

“This year, we expect nothing less and the SAIAE council calls on all interested parties active in the agricultural sector to attend this world class event,” concluded, Mavundza during the launch. The theme of the symposium this year is “the rise of engineering agriculture – welcome to the future”. Issues to be addressed by the symposium will include energy conservation, sustainable energy, food processing and preservation, water resource management, drought impact mitigation, agricultural structures, agricultural machinery and mechanisation, environmental engineering, Covid-19 impact on agricultural operations and systems, impact of floods on agricultural infrastructure, engineering solutions for rural farmers and the fourth industrial revolution in agricultural engineering.

“Alongside making this momentous announcement and successful bidding as the ideal host destination for the symposium, this then gives us as an opportunity to grow agro-tourism in the province, something we have not taken advantage of.
“We would then like to take this opportunity to urge our tour operators to take advantage of this opportunity, engage with the production facility owners to develop agro-tourism related packages,” said Moses Ngobeni acting CEO of LTA.

The province has a great story to tell when it comes to agrotourism, especially in the Tzaneen area.
Ngobeni referred to some of the local big agro-enterprises, saying:
• Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related products to international markets.
Through their vertically-integrated supply chain they grow, source, and ripen, pack, process and market quality avocados and other produce – across the year and across the globe.

• The ZZ2 brand is a well-known icon in South Africa with a proud history backed by a great customer value offering and superior economic value for their stakeholders.
Their farms sought-after tomatoes and avocados are cultivated, they also grow mangoes, onions, dates, cherries, apples, pears, stone fruit, almonds, and blueberries.
• Peppadew International started as a modest production facility in the hills of Limpopo, has grown into a global food brand. Years of ingenuity has not only led to unprecedented culinary experiences along the way, but also to the development of manufacturing operations of the highest standards.
It’s because of these standards that they are proud to supply Peppadew® products to some of the world’s largest retailers and food manufacturers, in over 25 countries around the world.

• Setsong Tea Crafters is a 100% black-owned company comprising of youth and women. The company stimulates the economy in a collaboration with rural cooperatives from Limpopo developed by a community development organisation’ Siyaphila Youth Support Services.