University of Venda’s Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture Spearheads Successful Annual Farmers Day, Introducing Groundbreaking Farmers Market Concept

The University of Venda’s Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture celebrated a remarkably successful fourth Annual Farmers’ Day, which was hosted by the Experimental Farm on Thursday, 14 August 2025. The event attracted an overwhelming response from representatives of various sectors, including government, municipalities, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, and community members. Each attendee expressed their understanding and support for the event’s mission, demonstrating the widespread appeal of this innovative concept of farmers’ markets.

Farmers from all four municipalities in the Vhembe district had the opportunity to connect and network with fellow farmers, academics, traditional leaders, and agricultural experts. The theme for the annual Farmers Day 2025 was “Strengthening Local Markets and Empowering Farmers for Food Security.” This event followed a series of training sessions and workshops aimed at empowering small-scale farmers with technical skills, compliance training, and financial literacy, all of which contribute to food security, rural economic growth, and sustainable livelihoods. The team responsible for running these workshops included Ms Thifheli Kutama,
Dr Mpho Tshikororo, Dr Justice Netshipale, Dr Francis Onyando, and the staff from the Experimental Farm. This initiative was led by Prof Natasha Potgieter, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture. Farmers’ Day 2025 reached its peak when we launched UNIVEN FARMERS MARKET, a concept note aimed at establishing a local farmers’ market, a gap identified during the contact session with farmers. The establishment of the UNIVEN Farmers Market will help local farmers save money on transportation costs associated with sending their produce to larger markets outside the province. Additionally, it will eliminate the need for middlemen, who often take a portion of the farmers’ profits.
By supporting farmers, we will also boost the economy of the Vhembe district, as money will circulate locally. As the market grows, we plan to invite street vendors with mobile kitchens to join, as long as they purchase their ingredients from the farmers at the market. This initiative aims to alleviate poverty by creating jobs and fostering a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere where visitors can explore local food options. Ultimately, this will contribute to a stronger community by promoting economic growth and supporting local farmers.

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UNIVEN, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, officially opened the University of Venda’s Annual Farmers Day, extending a warm welcome to dignitaries, farmers, faculty staff, students, and guests. He acknowledged the significance of Women’s Month in his address. Prof Nthambeleni reflected on the theme, “Strengthening Local Markets and Empowering Farmers for Food Security,” connecting it to the University’s mission of promoting community upliftment and addressing global food challenges. He emphasised the essential role of agriculture in sustaining families, preserving culture, and driving the economy.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration among academia, government, and farmers. In his speech, Prof. Nthambeleni announced the launch of the UNIVEN Farmers Market, set to begin in the academic year 2026. Additionally, he mentioned plans for a dedicated agro-processing centre designed to add value to agricultural products and extend their shelf life. These initiatives aim to support small-scale farmers and strengthen rural economies. In conclusion, he expressed his gratitude to Prof Potgieter, Ms Kutama, the organisers, partners, stakeholders, and farmers, reiterating the need for collaborative efforts toward sustainable agricultural solutions.
The MEC of Agriculture, Honourable Nakedi Kekana, whose speech was delivered by Acting Executive Mayor of Vhembe, who is the Portfolio Head of Corporate Services, Councillor Maria Mamedzi, emphasised the university’s commitment to supporting local farmers and creating a robust local market. She stressed that the future of agriculture relies not on a single sector but on strong partnerships, a shared vision, and a mutual commitment to sustainable progress.
Furthermore, she highlighted the vital role that institutions like UNIVEN play in preparing the next generation of leaders by equipping students, particularly women, with knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, and industry exposure. She added that higher education institutions should not only prepare graduates for employment but also nurture individuals capable of creating their own opportunities. Prof Natasha Potgieter, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, welcomed attendees and emphasised the farmers’ day’s role in fostering collaboration between government, education, and farmers to strengthen local markets and promote food security. She said the faculty’s workshops were aimed at transferring skills to farmers and improving crop and livestock productivity while addressing challenges like climate change, soil degradation, and access to markets. All this is done in alignment with the UN’s sustainable development goals of eradicating hunger and ensuring food accessibility for everyone. She encouraged high school students to make UNIVEN a first choice for furthering their studies.

Prof Vhonani Netshandama, Director Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Inno-vation and Commercialisation, commended the collective spirit of collaboration demonstrated by farmers and partnering organisations, affirming it as a vital pathway for sustaining and advancing agriculture. In her remarks, Prof Netshandama introduced the Centre of Rapid Incubation within her directorate, which assists farmers in registering their business. She encouraged farmers to embrace the opportunities it provides through consultations and specialised support aimed at strengthening their agricultural practices and fostering long-term growth.

Representing the Vhembe Pastors Forum, Pastor John Nemutanzhela expressed his apprecia-tion for the opportunity to participate in the event and share the same sentiments of assisting local farmers. He commended the University for the excellent organisation of the programme. In his remarks, he highlighted the pressing issue of unemployment and its adverse effects on women and the girl child, underscoring the need for continued collaborative efforts to address these challenges. He further extended an open invitation for future engagement, affirming the forum’s commitment to supporting initiatives of this nature and looking forward to strengthen-ing partnerships with the University.
Mr Emmanuel Mudau of Mathuba Genetics expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to connect with farmers in Vhembe, commending the University of Venda’s commitment to walking side by side with the farming community. He urged farmers to view agriculture not only as a liveli-hood but as a powerful tool to fight poverty, drive innovation, and create lasting impact. Drawing from his own experience of selling livestock at varying prices, he encouraged them to recognise and price the true value of their products based on quality rather than imitation. Mudau further emphasised the need to put knowledge gained from workshops into practice and to embrace unique, forward-thinking approaches that will set them apart in a competitive market.
Representing Thovhele Tshivhase, Khosi Dr. Tshifularo praised the University of Venda’s Farmers Day theme as a vital call to action, stressing that food security is both an agricultural necessity and a moral duty central to sustainable development and rural prosperity. He highlighted the need to empower small-scale farmers to transition into competitive, market-oriented commer-cial producers through modern skills, technology, infrastructure, and market access. He empha-sised that locally grown food should feed local communities.
Prof Sebi Lekalakala-Mokgele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, in delivering the vote of thanks, praised the spirit of unity, innovation, and determination that characterised the Farmers Day. She reminded participants that true food security depends on action in the fields, not only on policies. Prof Lekalakala-Mokgele applauded the involvement of students as future “scientist-farmers,” urging them to begin their farming journeys right from their homes.
She expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organiser, Ms. Kutama, and her team while applauding the hard work that is done by Prof Potgieter as the leader of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture. She also conveyed a word of gratitude to all stakeholders for their contributions, acknowledging the office of the MEC of Agriculture Limpopo, represented by acting Executive Mayor Cllr Mamedzi, Pastor Nemutanzhela, Mr Mudau, Dr Tshikororo, and the exhibitors for showcasing inspiring solutions.

Dr Mpho Tshikororo, the Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and a member of the organising team, expressed gratitude to all the exhibitors who supported farmers and par-ticipated in the farmers’ market by selling essential agricultural products. Among the exhibitors were the University collaborators: the Agricultural Research Council, Tompi Seleka Agricultural College, Madzivhandila Agricultural College, Mashamba TVET College, the Department of Science and Innovation, and many others.
Ms Thifheli Kutama, the Experimental Farm Manager, announced that the UNIVEN Farmers Mar-ket will begin in May 2026. She also stated that the farmers’ workshop for both crops and live-stock will resume in the academic year 2026. The main highlight of the day was the Farmers Market, which took place from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. By the time the market closed, all the farmers’ stalls were empty, confirming that the event was indeed a resounding success.
Farmers’ Day moments:

Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811