Casidra SOC Ltd.

31/08/2026

Milestone Alert: 37 Years of Unbroken Clean Governance!

Today, Casidra's Vice Chairperson of the Board, Crystal Abdoll, officially presented our 37th consecutive unqualified audit report for the 2025/26 financial year. The report was presented over to the Executive Authority, Dr. Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, during our Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Paarl.
Since October 1989, Casidra has maintained this flawless record of financial transparency and clean governance, underscoring our deep commitment to driving rural development in the Western Cape.
While presenting the Annual Financial Report, Ms. Abdoll applauded the steadfast dedication of the Casidra team, emphasising the vital role the organisation plays in improving livelihoods and alleviating poverty.
Our CEO, Dr. Keith du Plessis, celebrated the massive impact delivered this past financial year, including:
• R202 million in total project delivery
• 3,264 food security projects implemented
• R13 million deployed for disaster management support
• R103.8 million paid to B-BBEE contributing service providers
• 11,594 jobs created across all projects
"This is a significant number that directly aligns with the Western Cape Government’s 'Growth-for-Jobs' priority. We remain deeply committed to making a tangible difference in our rural communities," said Dr. du Plessis.
As we look ahead, we do so with a renewed purpose, building on our progress, strengthening partnerships, and making a meaningful contribution to the agricultural sector.

26/08/2026

Casidra women brought Women’s Month to a vibrant close with a colourful picnic celebrating women’s strength, resilience, leadership and the unique contributions they make to the organisation.

Dressed in different colours, the women reflected on the qualities each colour represented and the different strengths women bring to the workplace and their communities:
• Pink – compassion and care
• Yellow – joy and light
• Orange – courage and resilience
• Blue – wisdom and leadership
• Green – growth and legacy

Delivering the keynote address, Casidra Human Capital Manager Loinice Seconds reminded colleagues that every woman has a story shaped by challenges overcome, achievements, sacrifices and aspirations.
“Having a seat at the table is not just about claiming our place, but making room for someone else. Let’s not just take our seats at the table. Let’s make the table bigger. Let’s make it brighter,” said Seconds.

The celebration provided an opportunity for colleagues to connect, share meaningful conversations and reflect on the importance of supporting and empowering one another.
The message was clear: women should use their voices, recognise their worth, embrace their individual strengths and create opportunities for others to succeed.

As Women’s Month comes to an end, the celebration leaves a lasting reminder that empowerment is not only about personal achievement, but also about creating space for the next generation of women to grow, lead and make their mark.

To the women of Casidra: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.

25/08/2026

Siyazama Klipland Boerdery, an Investment to Growth
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Honourable Dr Ivan Meyer, visited Siyazama Klipland Boerdery in De Doorns to see first-hand how targeted investment and strong partnerships are supporting the growth of an emerging table grape farming enterprise.
With approximately R2 million in support through the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), implemented by Casidra, the farm has strengthened its operations through improved irrigation technology and a 6.8-ton truck to support transport and farm logistics.
The investment is delivering results. Siyazama’s production has grown from 68 443 cartons in 2021 to approximately 164 000 cartons in 2026, while the farm now supports 25 permanent jobs and around 120 seasonal jobs.
The project demonstrates how collaboration between government, implementing partners and farmers can turn agricultural investment into increased production, job creation and sustainable economic opportunities.
Casidra remains committed to supporting emerging farmers and strengthening agriculture across the Western Cape for the love of Agriculture.

23/08/2026

A great opportunity for unemployed youth in the Western Cape.

22/08/2026

The Honourable Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, will visit the project in the De Doorns, in Hex River area to engage with beneficiaries and key stakeholders, and gain insight into the project’s progress, impact and future potential.

Date: Monday, 24 August 2026
Venue: De Doorns, Hex River Area
Time: 14h00

Media is invited to attend.
For media enquiries:
Atembele Zembe 071 029 8603

21/08/2026

Growing Women, Growing Agriculture
Meet Sheena Paulus, the entrepreneur behind Tri-Toad Nursery in Philippi, where women are gaining practical skills and opportunities in agriculture.

Through training and hands-on experience, Sheena and her team are nurturing plants while developing skills that contribute to sustainable agriculture and food production.

With the support of Casidra, Tri-Toad Nursery continues to grow its business while creating opportunities for women to participate and thrive in the agricultural sector.

This Women’s Month, we celebrate Sheena and the women of Tri-Toad Nursery for growing plants, developing skills and creating opportunities.

https://www.casidra.co.za/meet-the-woman-entrepreneur-growing-opportunities-at-tri-toad-nursery/

21/08/2026

Catch our CEO, Dr Keith du Plessis, and the Head of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, as they join other industry leaders in a conversation on the role of agricultural finance in supporting farmers, creating jobs and strengthening South Africa’s agricultural value chains at NAMPO Kaap / Cape in Bredasdorp.

On Wednesday, 9 September 2026 at Nampo Cape in Bredarsdorp, Finance meets farming. Here, the Land Bank will discuss its role in growing SA.🇿🇦🌱

🔗RSVP HERE: https://www.foodformzansi.co.za/nampo-cape-2026/

They will answer how can agricultural finance support farmers, create jobs and strengthen South Africa’s agricultural value chains.

🎤Speakers:
Jabu Mphambo – Acting CEO, Land Bank
Dr Mogale Sebopetsa: Head of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture
Johann Kotzé – CEO, AgriSA
Dr Keith du Plessis – CEO, Casidra

20/08/2026

After 20 years of loyal service, we bid farewell to Senior Bookkeeper Evelyn Salies as she heads into retirement.

Thank you, Evelyn, for your dedication, integrity, and the example you set for all of us. You will be greatly missed.

As the CEO said, “Evelyn leaves a big gap in the finance team. She was a true inspiration to many.”

Wishing you a happy and fulfilling retirement!

20/08/2026

Growth, skills, and opportunity are taking root at the Vukuhambe Disabled Centre in Gugulethu.

Casidra, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, has supported the Centre to establish a 15m × 9m food garden.

Beneficiaries are receiving specialist gardening training and adaptive tools designed for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users.

According to Casidra Project Implementer, Mongami Maqaqa, the aim is to boost food production, build skills, and unlock income-generating opportunities for the Centre.

“The garden is fostering independence and ensuring that people living with disabilities have a seat at the table in the agricultural economy,” says Maqaqa.

More than vegetables, this garden is growing independence, inclusion, and economic participation. It’s dignity and food security in action.

Follow us for updates on the Vukuhambe Food Garden.

14/08/2026

In Blue Downs, the Ubuntu Circle of Courage Garden is growing more than vegetables, it is growing hope, skills and opportunity.

Established by community member Jantjie Booysen, the garden is helping vulnerable families access fresh produce while creating opportunities for skills development and community empowerment.

With support from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) and project implementer, Casidra, the initiative has received agricultural infrastructure and technical support to strengthen food security and build a more sustainable future.

The garden is also inspiring the next generation, with learners from Malibu High School and Blackheath High School actively participating in its upkeep, gaining practical agricultural experience while learning the value of teamwork and community responsibility.

“Our approach is not a hand-out, but a hand-up”, Jantjie Booysen
Growing food. Growing skills. Growing hope. Growing stronger communities.