KAL Academy graduates shine

KAL Academy graduates Sydney Claassen and Gerda Beukes were recognised as New Entrants to Commercial Farming in their respective provinces at the 2025 Agricultural Writers South Africa (AWSA) Awards. Their success highlights the Academy’s role in developing capable, competitive farmers, and demonstrates the tangible impact of KAL’s investment in agricultural skills development.

Agricultural Writers South Africa (AWSA) is a non-profit association for agricultural journalists and communicators. Its annual awards recognise excellence in farming, sustainability, and innovation, highlighting individuals who strengthen the sector and demonstrate agriculture’s vital contribution to food security and the national economy. According to AWSA, Sydney, owner of Pinehaven Farm in Stellenbosch, and Gerda Beukes, from G&E Beukes Boerdery in Eksteenskuil outside Upington, demonstrated outstanding leadership, determination, and commitment to sustainable farming.

Sydney was named the Western Cape New Entrant to Commercial Farming. His journey from farmworker to commercial vegetable farmer has captured the admiration of many in the agricultural community. Today his 12-hectare operation supplies leading retailers such as Woolworths, and is known for its responsible production, high-quality output, and dedication to empowering others in the value chain.

Sydney also forms part of Agrimark’s Supplier Development Programme, which demonstrates how Agrimark continues to support and partner with KAL Academy graduates to enable them to scale up their operations.

Sharing his experience, Sydney says: “The KAL Academy gave me the foundation to think like a business owner, not just a farmer. It taught me to plan, lead, and make decisions that grow both people and profits. Being part of Agrimark’s Supplier Development Programme is another step in that journey, showing how learning and partnership can truly transform lives.”

Gerda received the Northern Cape New Entrant to Commercial Farming award. She oversees a mixed-farming enterprise producing raisins, peanuts, lucerne, and livestock. She is widely admired for her resilience, commitment to continuous learning, and focus on mentorship.

Sharing her thoughts, Gerda says: “The journey hasn’t always been easy, yet deeply rewarding. The KAL Academy helped me grow in confidence, and equipped me with the business insight I needed to run a sustainable operation. Winning this award reminds me that when women in agriculture rise, whole communities rise with them.”

Both Sydney and Gerda completed their fully funded, NQF-aligned programmes through the KAL Academy, a structured learning journey designed to equip small-scale farmers with essential business, leadership, and farm management skills. Sydney completed the NQF 4 Plant Production programme in 2015.

Gerda completed the NQF 3 Animal Production programme in 2022, and the national certificate in mixed farming practice in 2023. Their accomplishments illustrate the effectiveness of the Academy’s development model and the value of creating pathways for small-scale farmers to grow and fully participate in the agri sector.

Barend Sulvester, Senior Manager: Sustainability, who manages the KAL Academy’s programmes, says: “Through the KAL Academy, we are proud to help unlock opportunities for individuals who are determined to grow, learn, and lead. Sydney and Gerda’s success embody the transformative power of education and reaffirms our commitment to leveraging culture and diversity in the sector, empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders.”