Latest news with #R250
Time Out
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out
SA's Red Gold: Why this saffron farmer is staying put
On a quaint patch of land just outside the Western Cape dorpie of Piketberg, a bold agricultural experiment is blooming. It's not wine, olives or citrus - but saffron, the world's most expensive spice, harvested delicately by hand from tiny purple crocus flowers. At the helm of this fragrant venture is Saffricon, a family-run business that's not just rewriting farming norms in the Western Cape but stitching social impact into every delicate petal. Founded by Bennie Engelbrecht, a former SuperSport backend producer turned saffron pioneer, Saffricon took root in 2013 after years of research and one big, hopeful question: 'Why can't we grow saffron here?' At around R250,000 to R300,000 per kilogram of saffron. Better known as 'red gold' - it takes roughly 150,000 flowers to produce a single kilogram of dried saffron threads, all harvested by hand, Bennie's son, Tiaan joined Time Out for an interview to share exactly how this fascinating business model has been taking off locally - this, as Bennie himself was deep into harvest season, sleeves rolled up and hands in the soil at the time. 'My dad grew up on a farm, and in his words, 'once the soil's under your skin, it doesn't leave you,' says the younger Engelbrecht with a shrug and a smile. 'He always wanted to farm again.' Cultivating Community, Not Just Crocus Saffricon's model is as rare as the spice they grow. Tiaan and his dad understand they're not about to dethrone the traditional saffron giants in Iran or Spain in terms of production volume - but they're not trying to. What they are doing is far more rooted: growing a hyper-local, high-impact industry in a country where sustainable agricultural opportunities are desperately needed. In a blind test conducted by a top multinational retaile r, Saffricon's saffron beat global benchmarks on flavour, colour, and aroma - earning ISO certification and international praise. As Tiaan puts it, 'We're not here to compete. We're here to build something sustainable, seasonal, and South African.' The magic lies in its timing. Saffron's peak harvest happens in winter—filling the employment gap left by the end of the Western Cape's summer citrus and grape seasons. 'We're able to come in and say, 'Here's work—right when you need it most.'' But jobs are just the start. Through their Saffron Incubation Program (SIPS), the team works closely with under-resourced communities - offering hands-on training, materials, soil testing, and mentorship. It's a measured, long-term approach - worlds away from the one-size-fits-all co-op models that often leave farmers stranded. 'Don't spend your pension on saffron,' Tiaan cautions. 'It's not a get-rich-quick scheme. It's a long game. But it can be life-changing.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiaan Engelbrecht (@ Homegrown, By Choice While the global opportunities might be on the table, Tiaan is clear, 'We love South Africa too much to leave.' Relocating from their initial location in Karoo to the Western Cape wasn't just about terroir, he adds, it was about viability. Saffron needs wet winters, dry summers, and sandy soil with good drainage. And it needs people. 'In citrus and table grape regions, things slow down in winter,' Tiaan explains. 'With saffron, we're able to come in during the off-season and say, 'Here's work - right when you need it most.'' The planting season starts in March or April, and harvest kicks off about 40 days later. You have just 24 hours from the flower's bloom to collect the delicate red stigmas before quality drops off. It's a process that's part science, part sprint, and entirely by hand. 'There's no machine that can harvest saffron the way a person can. It's intimate. You have to know what you're picking,' states Tiaan. In a world of extractive farming, Saffricon is cultivating something different: a model that's small-scale, community-first, and proudly rooted in South African soil. Your Slice of Saffron Starts at Home If you're a budding spice grower yourself, Saffricon has an offering for you. Their Gardener Pack i ncludes 10 starter corms (bulb-like roots) retails at R250, ideal for windowsills and small gardens. Perfect for Cape Town's artisanal growers or curious foodies, it's a bite-sized way to get involved. For more serious growers, the Trial Pack priced at R17,250 includes enough corms for a 20-square-metre plot, along with fertilizers, soil and leaf analysis, a grower's manual, and access to Saffricon's advisory support. It's designed to be the first step in building a small-scale farming business with high-value output and minimal land requirements. 'Our advice? Start small. See what works. Then build,' states Tiann, 'We've seen people go from 10 corms to 80 in a few years. It's quite incredible.' Where to Find Saffron in Cape Town While the farm itself isn't open for day visits just yet (they're working on it!), you can find Saffricon saffron and other artisanal saffron-infused products at Cape Town's beloved weekend spots: These are your best bet for taking home a vial of the prized golden threads or your own starter kit. The Bottom Line Cape Town may not have saffron in its culinary DNA just yet, but thanks to Saffricon, that's changing one corm at a time. What started as a retirement project has become a generational mission: to reimagine farming, empower communities, and prove that even the world's most luxurious spice can have humble, hopeful beginnings. As Tiaan puts it, 'It's not easy. But it's worth it.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saffricon South Africa (@saffricon)
IOL News
2 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Sandfields community to restore temple hall by January 2025
The damages to the Sandfields temple and its hall(left) Image: Supplied THE Sandfields Siva Subramaniar temple hall, in Sandfields, devastated by the June 2024 tornado, is set to reopen by January 2026, thanks to community support and rebuilding efforts While the 95-year-old temple suffered minimal damage, the hall was completely destroyed. Vijen Subramunier, chairperson of the temple, said the temple stood the test of the 'powerful' tornado. 'There was some damage to the temple's roof, windows, doors and part of the ceiling. However, there was not any damage in the shrine where our murthies (sacred images or idols of deities in Hinduism) are housed. 'Following the tornado, our team made a decision that the temple should be fixed immediately. Through the support of the various religious organisations, businesses and the public, we were able to restore the temple within weeks and resume with our prayer services,' he said. He added it cost about R250 000 to repair the temple. Restoration of the temple commenced soon after the tornado. Rebuilding of the hall is expected to start next month. Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers Subramunier said the hall and its contents were not spared. 'The hall was used by the community and surrounding areas for various activities. The senior citizens club, local school and civic organisations, among others used the hall for their weekly meetings or other events. It was also used for funerals and memorial ceremonies. Following the April 2022 floods, it was also used as a disaster management centre and provided shelter for residents whose homes were damaged.
The South African
3 days ago
- Business
- The South African
SA cultivates world's most expensive spice with 'jaw-dropping' returns for farmers
Saffron – the world's most expensive spice – is being farmed in the Northern Cape on a small scale. But the returns are mind-boggling. Spearheaded by pioneers like Saffricon, this spicy venture promises not only substantial financial rewards but also a chance to revitalise drought-stricken agricultural landscapes. Livestock farmer Joe Kroon, from the arid Karoo region near Graaf Reinet, turned to saffron five years ago out of desperation when severe drought threatened his livelihood, and government offered no assistance. Importing corms (bulbs) from The Netherlands, he began cultivating the delicate purple flower, whose red stigmas form the precious spice. 'Every year that we've planted, it's got better and better,' said Kroon. 'It sort of exponentially grows each year.' Kroon's partner, Ross Blakeway, now expects their season yield reach about six kilogrammes. The world's most expensive spice, mostly associated with Iran and Afghanistan, is highly-prized in the culinary world and often used in Indian cuisine. Each saffron flower yields only three threads, and it takes about 150 000 flowers to produce just one kilogram. The threads have to be hand-picked, making cultivation highly labour-intensive. The returns however are jaw-dropping, according to Bennie Engelbrecht, founder of Saffricon. One kilogram of high-grade saffron can fetch up to R200 000, with a retail price in South Africa as high as R250 000/kg. Engelbrecht has spent the last seven years perfecting the art of growing this exotic spice on the dry plains between Williston and Calvinia. Saffricon is the largest commercial producer in South Africa, with seven hectares of saffron crops in the Piketberg area of the Western Cape. And now they're ready to share their secret. 'This country really needs something that can turn people's lives around,' said Engelbrecht. 'Saffron can be planted on a small piece of land and could potentially change your life.' Saffricon if offering interested contract farmers a three-year outgrower programme. It includes: Saffron corms (bulbs) supplied to farmers Training and ongoing support Guaranteed buyback of both threads and multiplied corms Rapid returns: plants flower in just 40 days after planting The labour-intensive nature of saffron farming also makes it a great source of job creation. One of the major perks of growing saffron in South Africa is that it uses very little water. While maize or wheat requires 500–800mm of water per season, saffron needs just 250–300mm. 'Saffron grows in areas where other crops fail,' added project partner Corné Liebenberg. 'This is a real opportunity for emerging farmers who want a niche crop with export potential.' This 'wonder plant' has no wastage either. The threads are a spice, and the petals go into medicine and cosmetics. The corms (bulbs) of the world's most expensive spice meanwhile are the farmers' asset as they multiply underground. What's more, saffron crops are frost- and hail- resistant too. For interested farmers, the message is clear: saffron offers a golden opportunity to cultivate a high-value, resilient crop with the potential for transformative financial returns. 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.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
PowerBall: Your Chance to Win R20 Million
A new millionaire could be made tonight The National Lottery aims to create new millionaires through the Powerball and Powerball Plus draws tonight. Tonight's total estimated jackpot sits at R20 million. The draw plays just after 9 pm. PowerBall and PowerBall Plus estimated jackpots: PowerBall: R9 million PowerBall Plus: R11 million The previous PowerBall draw made one lucky player R37,838.90 richer. This player successfully matched five correct numbers and the Powerball. ALSO READ: PowerBall and PowerBall Plus results: Tuesday, 27 May 2025 How to play Powerball? To play Powerball, a player chooses five numbers between 1 and 50, followed by a Powerball number between 1 and 20. The system also provides a quick pick selection method where it randomly chooses all the numbers on your behalf. Powerball tickets are available on selected banking apps; terms and conditions apply. Tickets are available for purchase until 8.30 pm on draw days (Tuesday and Friday). Tickets can also be bought on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 am to 11.30 pm. The national lottery also gives you a chance to win money every day from the Daily Lotto. The draw takes place every evening just after 9.30 pm. Tickets for the Daily Lotto can be bought every day until 8.30 pm. How to play Daily Lotto in SA? If you are buying a ticket in-store: Pick up a betslip in any lottery store. Choose five numbers between 1 and 36 or ask for a Quick Pick. Entries cost R3 each. You can play a max of R150, but you are allowed to play multiple boards. Select how many consecutive draws you wish to enter, up to a maximum of 10. Leave blank for a single draw. Take your betslip to the teller to pay for your ticket. Write your details on the back of your ticket in case you need to claim a prize. If you do not sign your ticket, and you lose it, anyone can use it to claim the prize. READ MORE: Daily Lotto results: Thursday, 29 May 2025 If you are playing online: Set up a lottery account here and make a deposit to pay for tickets. Choose five numbers from 1 to 36 or select 'Quick Pick' to generate a random set. Repeat this on as many boards as you want to play. Decide whether to enter a single draw or multiple draws. Confirm and pay for your entry. What happens after winning? Winners receive an SMS from their respective banks with a reference number and further instructions on the documents they should bring when visiting Ithuba. When a player wins less than R250 000, they get their money directly deposited into their bank account if they had used a banking app to play. Winners who win more than R250 000 are referred to the lottery operator, Ithuba, for a payout. Free financial and trauma counselling is given to all winners who win above R50 000, tax-free. Players must be 18 years or older to participate.
The South African
6 days ago
- Business
- The South African
Ster-Kinekor to close cinemas at iconic Cape Town shopping mall
South Africa's largest cinema operator, Ster-Kinekor, has confirmed it will be closing its long-standing movie theatre at Cavendish Square in Cape Town early next month. The last day of operation will be Monday, 2 June 2025, the company announced in a statement. The closure comes as a result of a non-renewal of the site's lease, marking the latest in a series of shutdowns by the chain in recent months. 'While this chapter closes, we're firmly focused on the future and are actively investing in our current cinema complexes,' Ster-Kinekor said, assuring customers of improved viewing experiences at its remaining sites. The Cavendish Square closure is the third in 2025 alone. In March, Ster-Kinekor shut its cinema at Bedford Square in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, and on 8 May, it closed the Gateway cinema in Umhlanga, one of its largest and most high-profile locations. While initial speculation pointed to rental disputes, Ster-Kinekor maintained that its exit from Gateway was amicable, stating it had parted ways with the mall 'on good terms and with mutual respect.' Meanwhile, competitor Nu-Metro has stepped in to take over operations at both Bedford Square and Gateway. Despite the closures, Ster-Kinekor remains optimistic. CEO Mark Sardi said the company is in advanced talks to open cinemas at four new sites, described as 'commercially attractive,' while also planning major upgrades at existing locations. These include new Kids' Cinemas and premium Cine Prestige lounges. The company pointed to strong 2025 ticket sales as evidence of continued consumer interest in theatrical releases. South African cinemas also face unique local challenges, including a weakened rand which increases the cost of importing international films. Ster-Kinekor entered business rescue in January 2021 but was rescued by Blantyre Capital and Greenpoint Specialised Lending in a R250 million deal in 2022. In April 2024, the company warned it might cut nearly a third of its staff and close up to nine cinemas nationwide. However, it ultimately retrenched just 52 employees and closed only two cinemas: Boardwalk in Richard's Bay and Greenstone Mall in Johannesburg. Following the Cavendish Square shutdown, Ster-Kinekor's national footprint will shrink from 39 to 34 locations, raising new concerns about job losses. The company has not confirmed how many staff have been affected by recent closures but insists it seeks to redeploy employees wherever possible. 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.
