South African berry exports are a juicy market and this could become even more so if berry farmers have partners such as the North-West University (NWU). Curious to see first-hand how a potential partnership could bear fruit for economic growth in the province, a top-level NWU delegation recently visited the Madikwe Berry Farm.
Prof Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, led the group, consisting of Prof David Modise, executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Prof Rodney Medupe, deputy dean for community engagement in the same faculty.
The group met with the farm's key personnel, who included general manager George Chengera, production and data analysts, and several pre-harvest and infield managers. The purpose of the meeting was to understand the farm's operations in the North West and Limpopo provinces. This is a starting point towards considering a possible partnership.
Source: news.nwu.ac.za