LIMPOPO – The Vhembe District Municipality is stepping up efforts to retain more agricultural value within the district through an Agriculture Information Day aimed at supporting farmers, cooperatives and emerging agro-processors.

Acting Vhembe Mayor, Adv Anderson Mudunungu, addressed stakeholders at George Phadagi Community Hall in Thohoyandou on Thursday, saying the event aimed to raise awareness of agro-processing support programmes, funding opportunities, market access, food safety and certification requirements, and business development opportunities.

Keeping agricultural value in Vhembe

Mudunungu said an estimated 70% of agricultural products produced locally were processed outside Vhembe, meaning the associated economic benefits and job opportunities were created elsewhere.

“The event seeks to highlight the potential of agro-processing and value addition to retain economic value locally, attract investment, create jobs, strengthen partnerships across the agricultural value chain and contribute to local economic development and poverty alleviation,” he said.

The event also provided a platform for emerging agro-processors to showcase their products.

Entrepreneur showcases local wine brand

Among them was Lindelani Munyembane, a 37-year-old entrepreneur from Nancefield in Musina, who exhibited her wine brand, Linez Wine.

Munyembane described the event as a valuable opportunity for her and other entrepreneurs to introduce their products to a wider audience.

After studying wine entrepreneurship at Siwela Wine Academy, she launched Linez Wine, drawing on her love of wine and South Africa’s diverse landscapes and flavours. She said what she enjoyed most about the industry was the stories behind each bottle and the opportunity to explore different tastes.

“My goal is to elevate the dining experience by pairing the perfect glass of wine with the perfect dish and making every guest feel welcome.”

Munyembane said Linez Wine was about more than selling wine. She wanted to improve access, tell a distinctive story and build a brand that resonated with the community.

Despite the challenges of growing a business, she remains focused on expanding the brand.

“My dream is still to own my own vineyard one day,” she said.