
Attending Nampo as a farmer: Walking in President Cyril Ramaphosa's shoes
Taking on Nampo in 20-year-old shoes
He said he didn't give much thought to his footwear before heading to the Nampo this year.
'I've had these shoes for 20 years,' he told Farmer's Weekly.
Nampo Park spans 40ha, and visitors often walk 4km to 5km a day to see everything on offer.
'By day two, people usually complain about blisters, calluses and hot spots,' said sister Pircelle Smit from Lenmed, which provides free medical services at the event. 'We treat them with ointments and plasters.'
According to Smit, Ramaphosa made a smart footwear choice.
'Worn-in shoes are best. Don't come to Nampo in brand-new shoes.'
Farmer to farmer talks with Ramaphosa
Dirk Strydom, Grain SA managing director, confirmed that Ramaphosa had informed them a few days before Nampo that he and his farm manager would be attending as farmers.
'We are going to talk farming matters with him, farmer to farmer,' said Strydom.
He added that the sustainability of farming and how to create an environment where farmers can flourish would be among the topics discussed with Ramaphosa.
'Other officials, who are in contact with the president, will be visiting Nampo later this week when we will discuss policies,' he said.
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Read original story on www.farmersweekly.co.za
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
15 minutes ago
- IOL News
Ramaphosa to Mbeki and legacy foundations: ‘National Dialogue will proceed with or without you'
President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the withdrawal of several legacy foundations from the upcoming National Dialogue, saying 'the show goes on.' Image: ANC/X President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to the withdrawal of several legacy foundations from the upcoming National Dialogue, saying 'the show goes on' and that dialogue will continue with or without legacy foundations, including former President Thabo Mbeki. Ramaphosa said that through his spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, during a media briefing at the Union Buildings on Thursday afternoon. This comes amid mounting criticism of the dialogue process from political parties, civil society groups, and prominent legacy foundations. The National Convention for the National Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Pretoria on 15 and 16 August. Magwenya emphasised that the convention is not the dialogue itself, but rather a platform to set the agenda and map out a roadmap for the broader National Dialogue. 'The National Convention is not the actual dialogue,' said Magwenya. 'It is a platform where the agenda for the National Dialogue will be set and agreed upon. The roadmap for the rollout of the actual dialogue will also be affirmed.' He said that the inclusivity of the process should not be questioned at this stage, as the convention is just the beginning of a nine-month, nationwide engagement. 'It's always been understood that this is the kick-off of the dialogue process. Out of the National Convention, we will get a clear roadmap for dialogues in communities, wards, districts and sectoral groups. At the end of this nine-month process, all South Africans will have had an opportunity to participate.' Magwenya dismissed concerns about the legitimacy of the process, arguing that the withdrawal of seven foundations does not undermine its credibility. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'With respect to the National Convention and the withdrawal of seven foundations - with all due respect, these foundations do not represent the majority of South Africans.' Last week on Friday, IOL News reported that several prominent legacy foundations announced their withdrawal from the process, including the Steve Biko Foundation, Thabo Mbeki Foundation, Chief Albert Luthuli Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, WDB Foundation, Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, and the Strategic Dialogue Group. In a joint statement, the organisations expressed 'deep regret,' saying their decision was necessary to protect the credibility and integrity of the process. They accused organisers of deviating from the original citizen-led vision and shifting towards government control. 'What began as a citizen-led initiative has unfortunately, in practice, shifted towards government control,' the statement read. Magwenya dismissed the notion that the foundations represent defined constituencies, arguing that their absence would not diminish the legitimacy or inclusiveness of the convention. 'These foundations were never set up to be constituency groups, as far as we understand, unless that has changed. We now have close to 1,000 confirmed delegates. The Convention will be representative of all sectors of society through the different formations and groups that have accepted invitations to attend.' He added that the dialogue must eventually reach communities, industries, households and other sectors. 'It can't be held over two days at a university campus - that would be illogical. The credibility of the dialogue is not a once off exercise . It will depend on the level of participation across communities and the outcomes of that process.' Magwenya rejected the idea that the credibility of the dialogue could be determined by one person or a handful of organisations. 'South Africa is much bigger than any one individual or any single foundation. It would've been great to have former (President Mbeki) there – but if he's not there, he's not there.' 'The reality is that the show will go on, and South Africans will continue with the dialogue process. Hopefully, at some point, not only the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and others will eventually decide to participate in the process and realise that there's no benefit out the boycotting the people of South Africa.' 'Boycotting the process is not boycotting the government – it's boycotting the people of South Africa.' He added that the dialogue process does not belong to Ramaphosa or the government 'It belongs to all South Africans. Those who choose not to participate are not disadvantaged by the president or the government – they are choosing not to be part of the broader national conversation.' Several political parties have also withdrawn from the National Dialogue.


The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
G20 South Africa 2025: Defining moment for the nation and the continent
G20, is the world's premier forum for economic cooperation South Africa is preparing to welcome the world in 2025 as it assumes the presidency and hosts the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. This milestone places South Africa, and by extension Africa, at the centre of global dialogue on economic growth, sustainable development, climate resilience, digital transformation, and multilateral cooperation. In the words of South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, South Africa's goal is to promote mutually beneficial economic growth, create jobs and advance sustainable development for its partner nations. The Group of Twenty, commonly known as the G20, is the world's premier forum for economic cooperation. Representing more than 85% of global GDP, over 75% of world trade, and two-thirds of the planet's population, the G20 convenes the most powerful economies to address pressing global challenges. As the only African founding member of the G20, South Africa's presidency could not be more timely or symbolic. At a time when the world is redefining recovery and resilience in the wake of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and climate disasters, South Africa brings a grounded, inclusive voice to the table, one that reflects the aspirations of the Global South and the urgent developmental needs of the African continent. The G20 countries' ability to respond collectively to mounting challenges facing the multilateral system will determine both the speed of global recovery and the future of sustainable development. Under the banner of 'inclusive growth for a just world', South Africa's leadership is expected to spotlight issues such as financing for sustainable infrastructure, the global energy transition, youth employment, food security, digital inclusion, and equitable access to global markets. These are not only global concerns, but they are also everyday realities for millions across Africa. The summit will attract heads of state, finance ministers, central bank governors, and global institutions like the UN, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. Beyond political leadership, the G20 also engages civil society, youth, women, labour, business, and think tanks through structured engagement groups – offering platforms for a wider range of voices to shape global policy. Johannesburg, as host city, will become a strategic hub of diplomacy, business exchange, and cultural showcase. While the summit itself is a high-level, closed-door affair, South Africans can expect a wave of public engagement, community-driven programmes, investment conversations, and national pride as the event draws near. 'The G20 presidency is a powerful opportunity for South Africa to place Africa's priorities at the heart of global decision-making. We are committed to driving an inclusive agenda that ensures no country, and no person, is left behind,' said President Cyril Ramaphosa. For the South African government, this is more than ceremonial. It is an opportunity for G20 members to transform commitments into lasting action. Key issues remain a challenge in the country and the continent, and there is a call for greater accountability to drive tangible progress in the global pursuit of gender equality SA's G20 presidency is also an opportunity to elevate African perspectives, strengthen international alliances, and advance sustainable development goals. It is a chance to reinforce South Africa's commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation at a time when unity is more important than ever. As preparations intensify in the coming months, all eyes will be on South Africa not just as a host, but as a bridge between developed and developing economies. The 2025 G20 Summit is more than just a gathering of nations. It is a moment for South Africa to lead with purpose, to shape global consensus, and to drive transformation that begins on the continent but resonates across the globe. Stay updated by visiting or follow #G20SouthAfrica2025 for news, opportunities, and ways to engage.


The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Warren Hammond's Personal View: March 2016 Forecast 'The USA - The next 18 years' at the halfway mark
' Radical change, transformation, and upheaval ' – in a note released on March 14, 2016, I forecasted that these characteristics would define the USA's next 18 years. Nearly a decade later, the picture is clear. The forecast was designed to inform investment choices, providing a framework for regional, asset class, sector, and security selection, to ensure decisions were both well-informed and highly effective in investment selection and duration. I identified three key areas where change would be most visible and landscape-shaping: Technology Boom: Exponential, accelerating growth across all things technical. Debt Reckoning: An inevitable restructuring of finance, breaking the cycle of cheap money and debt-led consumption. Environmental Revolution: Sweeping policy changes, with water at the centre. I noted that the USA had entered a long-term pattern of radical change, transformation, innovation, and upheaval. It wasn't just policy shifts; a structural overhaul was essential to heal its dependence on cheap money, debt-led consumption, and risky investment. The political backdrop was already unconventional, and the Clinton vs. Trump race signalled that the USA had entered a non-traditional era of leadership choices, reflecting broader systemic shifts. Based solely on the characteristics of this forecast, with no personal preference or bias, The Personal View, in a separate note reiterated throughout 2016, forecast Donald Trump's first presidential win. The original note warned that while long-term results could be positive, the cycle would be marked by volatility and upheaval, especially as debt and risky investment remained 'the nectar of the Gods'. I wrote that the USA might face significant brand damage and public discredit before structural reform and overhaul could take hold. On the environmental side, I foresaw not just policy shifts but a revolution in attitudes toward managing natural resources, with water playing a pivotal role. Almost 10 years on, how close was this to today's reality? Looking ahead to 2033, will these trends continue? Remember, for The Personal View, 'expected' in the context of this forecast, was stated as being 'disorderly, disruptive, fiery, unexpected, and transformative change that upends the status quo, sweeps away what has served historically, and installs deep structural change'. In 2016, I closed the note with a challenge: 'In 18 years, we will see to what extent this view is verifiable.' At the halfway point, that question remains open and is worth asking again today. Do these trends reflect what you see unfolding in the USA? Share your perspective and join the conversation on the next 18 years of transformation. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.