Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Honourable Dr Ivan Meyer, visited Siyazama Klipland Boerdery in De Doorns on Monday, 24 August. The visit highlighted how targeted investment and partnerships can help emerging farmers strengthen businesses and improve productivity.
Situated in the Hex River Valley, Siyazama Klipland Boerdery is a table grape enterprise with deep roots in the De Doorns community. The farm covers 43 hectares, of which 23.71 hectares are planted with vineyards. Significant growth has been recorded since 2021.
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Production increased from 68 443 cartons of grapes in 2021 to 150 000 cartons in 2025. This year, the farm harvested approximately 164 000 cartons, demonstrating continued growth in production capacity.
According to Alec Abrahams, shareholder of Siyazama Klipland Boerdery, agriculture is more than a business. Many shareholders grew up in De Doorns, with parents who worked on table grape farms, while some have themselves spent years in the industry. They are now using this experience to build an enterprise that creates jobs, generates income, and contributes to the local economy.
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“I am happy that our farm has created 25 permanent jobs and approximately 120 seasonal jobs. In essence, this puts food on the table for many families,” said Abrahams.
Siyazama Klipland Boerdery has received approximately R2 million (US$125,293) in support from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), with Casidra serving as project implementer. The investment has helped address practical challenges facing the emerging enterprise.
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Key deliverables include a 6.8-ton truck to improve the transportation of farmworkers and movement of agricultural inputs and produce, while strengthening logistics.
The farm has also benefited from an in-field irrigation upgrade, supported by the WCDoA and Casidra through installation of a remote management application. The smart irrigation technology enables more efficient water management, supporting sustainable farming and improved productivity.
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Minister Ivan Meyer said the investment demonstrates the importance of supporting emerging farmers to build sustainable agricultural businesses.
“When we invest in emerging farmers, we are not only investing in vineyards and infrastructure; we are investing in people, livelihoods, and the future of agriculture in the Western Cape. Our goal must be to help farmers move from potential to production, and from production to sustainable growth.”
Casidra CEO Dr Keith du Plessis said partnerships between government, implementing entities, and farmers are critical to ensuring agricultural investments translate into meaningful development outcomes.
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“Through continued partnerships and targeted investment, Casidra remains committed to empowering emerging farmers and strengthening agricultural development in the Western Cape. Our role is to help turn development investment into practical support that enables farmers to become more productive, sustainable, and economically viable.”
The investment forms part of Siyazama Klipland Boerdery’s broader turnaround strategy. The farm is working towards becoming a sustainable and independent agricultural enterprise while expanding its contribution to employment, food production, and economic development in De Doorns.
© CasidraFor more information:
Experience Matshediso
Casidra
Tel: +27 (0) 825605444
Email: [email protected]
www.casidra.co.za
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www.freshplaza.com
