Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.With the recent launch of the AngloGold Ashanti Research Chair in Dairy Science & Technology at the University of Fort Hare, the Eastern Cape’s potential for growth and innovation is set to expand.
At the launch of the Research Chair, UFH Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Sakhela Buhlungu explained that the development of this exciting position came in part from the university’s location. It is ideal for these developments to be located in the Eastern Cape, given the province’s strength and potential in the dairy industry in particular. While the northern parts of the country used to be the main dairy-producing region around twenty or thirty years ago, this now only accounts for around 7-8% of national production.
“This is a more sustainable way of farming,” he said. “It’s well known in terms of pasture systems in South Africa, that farmers who do it right and well will tell you: sustainability is profitability.” Another key asset to the local dairy industry that has room for growth is human resources. “Skills are critical. It’s not the farm that makes money, it’s the farmer. It’s the people who run the farms,” Somdyala said. “So it’s important to build this talent that will drive this industry.”