The partnership took formal shape on Friday morning when Wiesenhof handed over a check for R500 000 to Saai at the Wiesenhof coffee shop in Franschhoek. (Photo: Provided)
While the foot-and-mouth disease crisis is spreading like wildfire through South Africa and the government’s response leaves many farmers in absolute despair, the private sector has decided to no longer simply stand on the sidelines and watch as the agricultural industry suffers.
The well-known Wiesenhof Coffee Roastery recently joined forces with the South African Agri-initiative (Saai) to actively contribute to Sai’s disaster fund. This fund was specifically created to support family farmers who were financially devastated by the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and the associated administrative mismanagement.
Where government processes slow down and the ongoing uncertainty paralyzes the markets, businesses are now actively working together to ensure that farmers can stay on their farms.
Wiesenhof is no stranger when it comes to supporting the agricultural community. Four years ago, the company earmarked a percentage of its profit on each cup of coffee, as well as on various items at Wiesenhof and Dulce restaurants, to promote farm safety and technological modernization.
Today, however, that commitment is further expanded with an urgent focus on biosecurity, vaccine logistics and emergency support to producers who have been forced to their knees by the current crisis.
According to Kobus Wiese, the owner of Wiesenhof, the connection between the consumer and the producer is now stronger than ever. He believes that every customer makes a difference.
“When you enjoy a cup of coffee with us, you stand with our farmers. Together we build a stronger agricultural industry and protect our food security for future generations. Agriculture is the heart of our country. With every cup of coffee, we choose to make that heart beat stronger.”
The partnership took formal shape on Friday morning when Wiesenhof handed over a check for R500 000 to Saai at the Wiesenhof coffee shop in Franschhoek. This handover serves as visible proof that the business sector is prepared to intervene where the state falls short.
“Saai is deeply grateful for Wiesenhof’s contribution,” said Dr. Theo de Jager, the board chairman of Saai, said. “It is a powerful message that if the state does not respond in time, the community and the business world itself will fill the gap to save South Africa’s family farms.”
De Jager expressed his concern about the impact the crisis is having on the social fabric of the country. He emphasized that the fight is not just about an animal disease, but about the survival of communities.
“Family farms are the backbone of food security. When they fall, communities fall together. This partnership between Saai and Wiesenhof proves that the private sector is willing to take responsibility when state structures fail.
“The foot-and-mouth crisis has brought many family farms to a point where they are simply not going to survive without outside help. Our goal with this partnership is to unlock that critical help as much as possible,” says De Jager.
The new fund is not simply seen as a symbolic gesture, but as a tangible lifeline for producers who fight daily to protect their herds and manage their cash flow. The challenges are manifold: from obtaining essential movement permits to maintaining market access amid tight restrictions.
De Jager says Saai hopes to involve even more partners.