Upcoming Food Dialogue: Uncomfortable Truths About South Africa’s Agriculture

The Southern Africa Food Lab, in partnership with Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of AgriSciences, will host another Food Dialogue event on 15 October 2025 featuring two of South Africa’s most respected voices in agricultural economics: Wandile Sihlobo and Prof. Johann Kirsten.

The event will centre on their new publication, The Uncomfortable Truth About South Africa’s Agriculture, a candid exploration of the myths, challenges, and opportunities shaping the country’s agricultural sector. Drawing from years of research and experience, the authors confront difficult realities around land reform, service delivery, and policy failures, while also highlighting pathways for renewal and growth.

Agriculture is not only a major economic driver in the national economy, but also the bedrock of South Africa’s food system. This makes it crucial to have open, evidence-based conversations about the state of the sector and how it can be strengthened to support food security, equity, and resilience.

Food Dialogues are a cornerstone of the Food Lab’s work, creating space for reflection, debate, and collaboration across sectors. They serve as catalysts for change by bringing diverse voices into conversation on critical food system challenges.

📅 Date: 15 October 2025
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Venue: Van der Sterr Building 1003 (Entrance 6), Stellenbosch University
💻 Format: In-person and online
🔗 Microsoft Teams Link

This is an open invitation to all who care about the future of South Africa’s food and farming systems.