In the Overberg region of the Western Cape, Agri Dwala shows how community-led farming can strengthen South Africa’s agricultural landscape. The fully black-owned enterprise farms about 580 hectares in Napier, producing wheat, barley, oats, canola, and livestock. But its real impact lies in its people, not its land. The enterprise began with a team of farmworkers who built their capability through years of practical, hands-on farming.
Guided by long-time farmer Kosie van Zyl, the team transitioned from labourers into a farm management team through daily exposure, shared responsibility and meaningful mentorship. Kosie’s own entry into farming was made possible by someone who once helped him access land, an act that shaped his commitment to developing emerging farmers through real experience rather than once-off interventions. This approach has helped people like Daniel Pieters grow into leadership, building almost twenty years of experience after returning from his agricultural studies.
It has also opened doors for younger farmers like Antonio Vywer, who joined with formal training and a passion for carrying the work forward. At Agri Dwala, leadership grows through continuity, where knowledge is learned, applied and shared from one generation to the next. Partnerships have also played an enabling role. Pioneer Foods, now part of PepsiCo Southern Africa (PepsiCo SA), supported Agri Dwala during its early stages by helping the enterprise acquire 316 hectares of land. That stability allowed the team to formalise operations and expand their potential.
PepsiCo SA, through its procurement team, continues to provide market access by buying wheat from Agri Dwala. For PepsiCo, this partnership aligns with a broader commitment to strengthening local sourcing and creating sustainable opportunities for emerging farmers. The relationship is grounded in shared intent: unlocking long-term economic participation through community-led enterprise development.
As South Africa’s agricultural sector faces challenges including climate variability, rising input costs and reliance on imported wheat, the need for capable, sustainable local producers continues to grow. Agri Dwala contributes to this by investing in continuous learning, seasonal knowledge-sharing and responsible production practices, all essential to building resilience. Its success demonstrates the value of inclusive ownership models in a sector where access has historically been limited. When emerging farmers are given real opportunities, mentorship and stable market access, participation broadens and communities benefit.
Agri Dwala’s journey shows that progress in agriculture is built over seasons, not moments. With practical development, long-term partnerships and a commitment to growing people, the enterprise is strengthening the local food system – and contributing to a more inclusive agricultural future for South Africa.
