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A KwaZulu-Natal company and three University of Johannesburg (UJ) students walked away with the top prizes in the recent national Furniture Design Competition hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

The annual competition was presented in partnership with Proudly South African, the South African Furniture Initiative, Coricraft Furniture, Mecad Solidworks, Furntech Centre of Excellence, Lewis Stores, the African Institute of the Interior Designer Professions (IID) and Tsogo Sun Hotels.

A young sheep farmer is looking to become a producer of the highest grade Dohne Merino sheep in the Eastern Cape.

Owner of Agric EC Siposetu Jilata (29) explains that this breed is known for its quality wool and meat.

Jilata, who holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics degree from the University of Fort Hare, started the farm in 2017, after struggling to find a job.

Women are encouraged to dig in and grow a brighter future through farming.

Primrose Makgatho (43) of the AP Agricultural Cooperative in Bronkhorstspruit says farming is one of the most sustainable jobs in the world because no day passes without people needing a meal.

“The growth of our country’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, and I would like to encourage women, youth and people living with disabilities to plough away to secure their future,” she says.

Samson Mahlaba (73) worked as a farm labourer for 50 years before realising his dream of becoming a commercial farmer five years ago.

Mahlaba was a child when he first started working as a labourer on the 300-hectare Hoekieplaas farm in Reitz in the Free State. He never went to school and grew up with his brothers, as his parents passed away when he was six.

Even though he has no formal agriculture training, Mahlaba knew that if he had a farm of his own, his experience would ensure his success.

Black farmers who have historically been unable to access financing to grow their operations are being given a helping hand.

Government has set aside R1 billion to help black farmers become commercial farmers.

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), launched the Agri-Industrial Fund recently.

The fund, which is part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic stimulus package for small-scale farmers, is being financed by DALRRD and run by the IDC.

If you are a small business owner rebuilding your business after Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) setbacks, branding is one of the tools you need to use to attract customers.

A young woman turned lemons into lemonade during South Africa’s strict Coronavirus lockdown.

When Tinyiko Mabunda (26), pictured, started a new hobby to keep busy during the tough months of the Level 5 lockdown due to the Coronavirus in 2020, she had no idea that it would lead to her becoming an entrepreneur.

People with disabilities in Knysna in the Western Cape have been taking charge of their lives through training in carpentry, stenciling and sewing.

Ululation and tears of joy were the order of the day when KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala cut the red ribbon to mark the official opening of the state-of-the-art Pholela Special School in Bulwer in KwaZulu-Natal recently.

The school will cater for the needs of 350 learners with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities.