Organised by the International Olive Council, the Mario Solinas Quality Awards represent independent recognition at the highest level of the international olive oil industry. De Rustica’s First Prize offers a tangible expression of what South African olive oil can bring to that community in terms of quality.

The 2026 top prize was won by De Rustica’s Coratina and follows the estate’s second prize win with Coratina in the 2025 IOC competition.  Coming second last year and first this year is extraordinary enough for a single estate, but the significance of this win is massive for the South African Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) industry. 

South Africa is one of the smallest olive oil-producing countries in the southern hemisphere, competing on the international stage against large established industries in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Australia, Brazil and Uruguay. From that relatively small base, a South African oil taking First Prize at the IOC’s Southern Hemisphere competition is a meaningful marker of how far the local industry has come.

As Eleanor Stoker, CEO of De Rustica says: “I think sometimes, coming from a smaller industry, we can be a little too modest about where we believe we belong. Results like this challenge that thinking. South African producers have the climate, the skill and, importantly, the ambition to make truly exceptional olive oil. For me, this is less about celebrating one result and more about what it says is possible – for De Rustica and for our industry.”

Wendy Petersen, the CEO of the SA Olive Industry Association CEO is delighted by this news: “The international awards being won by South African olive oil producers are making a significant contribution to the reputation and recognition of South African Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) on the global stage.

“The consistently high quality of South African EVOO can, in large part, be attributed to the SA Olive Commitment to Compliance (CTC) Scheme. The scheme provides an important quality and authenticity framework, ensuring that participating products meet rigorous standards for both sensory quality and analytical properties.

“Together, the dedication of our producers and the integrity of the CTC Scheme are helping to build consumer confidence and strengthen the reputation of South African EVOO both locally and internationally.

“Every international award is not only an achievement for an individual producer—it is recognition of the quality, commitment and growing excellence of the entire South African olive industry.

“The timing is fitting. This month (September), the South African olive industry has formally submitted its request to become a member of the International Olive Council, and this signals the country’s ambition and its readiness to take a more prominent place in the international olive oil community.  Winning global awards like these recognizes our achievements and helps cement our future growth, importance and fixture within the global olive industry.”.

From the olive groves outside De Rust in the Klein Karoo, De Rustica has, over the past decade, built an enviable record of recognition at some of the world’s most respected EVOO competitions. In 2023, De Rustica’s Coratina was ranked by EVOOLEUM as the world’s highest-rated EVOO. Two years later, in 2025, Coratina again scored 97 points and was placed second. In 2026, De Rustica Coratina sustained its Top 10 position in the EVOOLEUM Southern Hemisphere chart of best extra virgin olive oils by coming top overall.

De Rustica Favolosa also took the top award at the 2026 NOVA Awards at Mercacei for new clonal cultivars.

At home in South Africa, De Rustica won an astonishing five gold awards at the 2026 SA Olive Awards, for Coratina, Medium, Favolosa, Chemlali and Koroneiki.

Eleanor Stoker adds: “Different cultivars, different competitions, different judging panels and different harvests seem to serve rather than hinder De Rustica’s winning abilities – because it’s all about the place, the environment, the people and our shared belief in creating an outstanding quality product. Awards are simply one of the ways that our efforts are measured beyond the farm. And perhaps that is what makes this latest result particularly meaningful.”

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL AND HIGH-RES IMAGES

That was one of the powerful themes emerging from the 20th Smart Procurement World Indaba, where more than 3000 procurement professionals, business leaders, government representatives, SMME suppliers and decision-makers came together to explore the changing role of procurement in business and economic growth.

Under the theme “The People. The Platform. The Purpose.”, the milestone Indaba brought together voices from across the procurement and supply chain ecosystem to tackle some of the questions that matter most to organisations today: How do businesses remain resilient in uncertain markets? How can procurement unlock opportunities for suppliers? What role will AI play? And how can organisations use their purchasing power to create value beyond the bottom line?

For Smart Procurement, CEO Debbie Tagg, these conversations reflect a fundamental shift in how procurement is viewed. “Procurement touches every part of the economy. Behind every procurement decision is a supplier, a business, a job, a community and an opportunity. As the profession continues to evolve, we have a responsibility to look beyond transactions and ask what kind of value we are creating through the choices we make. That is what makes these conversations so important – procurement has the ability to influence not only business performance, but the resilience and growth of the economies in which we operate.”

FROM PROCUREMENT SPEND TO INVESTMENT DECISIONS

One of the Indaba’s most compelling conversations placed the banking sector at the heart of the procurement and economic growth discussion.

The keynote panel, “Markets in Motion: The Investor’s View on Procurement and Economic Growth,” brought together leading voices from Absa, Coupa Software, Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), and Standard Bank to unpack the increasingly important relationship between procurement, investment and economic development.

For financial institutions, procurement decisions can provide a window into how businesses are managing risk, responding to disruption and positioning themselves for growth.

In an environment of shifting markets, constrained capital and heightened regulatory scrutiny, the panel explored how procurement and supply chain insights can influence capital allocation, strengthen business resilience and help identify new opportunities for growth across Africa.

Miyelani Maluleke, Senior Economist and Head of South Africa Macroeconomics Research at Absa Group, highlighted the broader economic environment shaping these decisions:

“The outlook for the global economy is highly uncertain as geopolitical tensions disrupt trade flows and generate huge volatility in the prices of critical inputs, especially energy. For a small open economy such as South Africa, these global headwinds will transmit directly through higher input costs and inflation, creating pressure on the central bank to respond with higher rates. But while the external environment is clearly challenging at the moment, South Africa’s strong track record in executing reforms over the last few years is an important positive development that will help to build resilience and anchor the economy towards growth over the medium to long term.”

The conversation also highlighted something that businesses and suppliers are experiencing first-hand: resilience comes at a cost, but so does disruption.

Niron Rampersad, Divisional Executive: Trade at Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), said: “Procurement has become central to business resilience and growth. Companies are diversifying suppliers, carrying more inventory and building greater flexibility into working capital to protect continuity of supply. These choices strengthen businesses, support suppliers and create more resilient supply chains.”

His comments capture the changing reality facing organisations across the continent. Procurement teams are no longer simply negotiating prices and managing contracts; they are making decisions that can determine whether a business is able to keep operating when markets shift, suppliers face pressure or global disruptions reach local supply chains.

And when those decisions are made at scale, their impact extends well beyond individual companies. Procurement is increasingly becoming a catalyst for investment, a driver of competitive advantage and a powerful force in accelerating national and continental growth.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BIGGEST SPEND

If the banking panel explored procurement through the lens of investment, “The Final Word: The Titans of Spend” brought the conversation directly to the executives making some of South Africa’s biggest procurement decisions.

The closing session brought together senior leaders from Sasol, MTN, Valterra Platinum, Afrimat, AECI and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa for an open conversation about what really matters when billions of rands move through procurement and supply chains.

The discussion covered supplier development, artificial intelligence, resilience, procurement spend and economic growth, but at its heart was a more fundamental question: What responsibility comes with having significant purchasing power?

For large organisations, procurement decisions have a ripple effect.

They influence which suppliers receive opportunities, how local supply ecosystems develop, how businesses prepare for disruption and how organisations balance commercial priorities with the need to build sustainable, resilient value chains.

The session offered an important reminder that procurement leaders are not simply managing spend; they are managing relationships, risk, opportunity and impact.

As Smart Procurement World celebrated its 20th Indaba, the event provided an important moment for the industry to reflect on how far procurement has come and the role it must play in the future.

More than 600 people gathered not simply to talk about procurement, but to understand what it means in a world where businesses are navigating economic uncertainty, technological change, supply chain disruption and increasing pressure to create meaningful value.

The Indaba’s theme, “The People. The Platform. The Purpose.”, speaks directly to this evolution.

The People are the procurement professionals, suppliers, business leaders and decision-makers who connect, collaborate, challenge and inspire. The Platform is the ecosystem that connects businesses, ideas, technology and opportunity, and the Purpose is the impact those connections and decisions can have on businesses, suppliers and economies.

Over two decades, the Smart Procurement World Indaba has created a space for these conversations to take place. The 20th edition demonstrated that the conversation has grown considerably from procurement as a business function to procurement as a strategic force with implications for investment, resilience, supplier development and economic growth.

As the curtain falls on the 20th Smart Procurement World Indaba, one message resonates strongly across the discussions:

The future of procurement will not be defined solely by how organisations spend, but by the value, opportunity and economic impact that spending creates.

Because behind every purchase order is a decision and behind every decision is an opportunity to shape what comes next.

What if procurement’s greatest value is no longer measured by how much money it saves, but by how much value it creates?

That question was at the heart of Day One of the 20th Annual Smart Procurement World Indaba, where procurement and supply chain leaders challenged traditional thinking about the role of procurement in modern business.

Held under the theme “The People. The Platform. The Purpose.”, the Indaba brought together industry leaders to unpack how procurement must evolve as organisations navigate artificial intelligence, geopolitical uncertainty, climate-related risks, supplier resilience and increasingly lean teams.

And one message came through clearly: procurement cannot afford to remain a gatekeeper. It needs to become a trusted business advisor.

“Procurement has moved far beyond simply delivering cost savings. Today, the profession is being called upon to create value, build resilient supply chains, enable innovation and contribute to sustainable growth. At the heart of that transformation are people. People who understand the business, build meaningful relationships and have the courage to challenge the way things have always been done. The future of procurement belongs to those who can connect people, platforms and purpose to create real impact,” says  Debbie Tagg, CEO, Smart Procurement.

“Stop leading with policy. Start with the business problem.”

One of the strongest themes from the opening-day discussions was the need for procurement professionals to understand what keeps their stakeholders awake at night.

Mapitsi Talana, Senior SCM Specialist of Vodacom Group, argued that trust is the starting point for procurement professionals who want to move from gatekeepers to trusted advisors. Rather than leading conversations with policy and process, procurement needs to understand the commercial challenge and help the business achieve the outcome it needs. That means getting closer to stakeholders, understanding the wider business ecosystem and bringing knowledge and insight that helps solve problems, not creating additional hurdles.

For years, procurement has often been associated primarily with cost control. But the conversation at the Indaba pointed towards a broader definition of value: revenue, sustainability, innovation, risk management, supplier diversity and shared prosperity.

The AI question: What happens when procurement can automate the work?

Artificial intelligence is already forcing procurement to reconsider where human expertise creates the greatest value. Spend analysis, contract comparisons and risk identification are among the activities that can increasingly be automated.

But speakers cautioned that this does not make procurement professionals less important. It changes what they need to be good at.

The competitive advantage will increasingly lie in the ability to interpret information, challenge assumptions and turn AI-generated insights into commercial decisions. In other words, procurement’s future may be less about producing the analysis and more about knowing what the analysis means.

Despite the focus on technology, one of the most consistent messages was surprisingly human: people remain the biggest differentiator.

Panel discussions highlighted the need for procurement teams to develop stronger business-partnering capabilities, build multidisciplinary skills and remain agile as organisations ask smaller teams to deliver more.

Ronald Flockhart, Group Head Sourcing & Category Management of  FNB, who brings more than 20 years of procurement experience, reflected on how the profession has evolved from a predominantly cost-saving function towards a wider value proposition.

His perspective: the conversation is increasingly about shared prosperity and sustainable relationships, rather than simply winning the lowest price.

Melita Matlala, the Head: Group Procurement at African Bank, similarly emphasised the importance of building adaptable teams and ensuring procurement professionals have access to the information and skills needed to make informed decisions.

The discussions also challenged conventional perceptions of Enterprise and Supplier Development.

Kgalaletso Tlhoaele, the Executive: Enterprise Development of the Absa Group, highlighted the role of procurement in creating stronger connections between suppliers and organisations, growing new suppliers and diversifying supplier bases, while also addressing supply chain complacency and risk.

A particularly thought-provoking perspective was that ESD should not be viewed narrowly as a South African, SMME or black-business issue. Instead, organisations should look for fresh capabilities, new ideas and agility and create opportunities for suppliers to contribute to business challenges in meaningful ways.

Procurement’s risk map is getting bigger

The procurement professional of tomorrow also needs to look well beyond the traditional supply chain. Climate change, disaster response and recovery, global economics and geopolitics are increasingly influencing procurement decisions.

From developments in global politics to disruption along strategic trade routes, what happens elsewhere can have consequences locally.

The message to procurement professionals was therefore simple: understand the world around your organisation, not just the contracts within it.

So, where does procurement go from here? The answer emerging from Day One is not simply “more technology”. It is more strategic thinking, stronger relationships, better commercial understanding and a willingness to adapt.

Procurement professionals were encouraged to seek exposure beyond their immediate roles, learn from other parts of the organisation and challenge suppliers to develop solutions to real business needs. And perhaps fittingly, when the panel was asked to describe procurement in one word, the answers included:

Value. Collaboration. Adaptable. Satisfying and, unexpectedly FUN.

Because as the profession changes, procurement is discovering that creating value does not have to mean losing the human connection that makes the work meaningful.

Day One of the Smart Procurement World Indaba has opened a bigger conversation about the future of procurement, one that places people, platforms and purpose at the centre of how organisations create sustainable value.

Ahead of World Smile Day on 2 October, a new survey by Operation Smile South Africa (OSSA) has revealed what South Africans are most likely to spend money on to put a smile on their faces. Holidays or weekends away came out on top, with 52% of respondents choosing them, followed by coffee or a favourite drink at 47% and nights out with friends or family at 42%.

When asked which of these things they spend money on most often, coffee or a favourite drink took the top spot at 19%. This was followed by hobbies, sport or leisure at 18% and gifts or treats for others at 15%.

For most people, the money spent on these small moments of happiness feels worthwhile.  More than half of respondents (54%) said they always felt that spending money on things that made them happy was worthwhile, while a further 30% said they often felt the same way. 

But those little moments can add up. Almost seven in 10 respondents (69%) said they spend up to R2,000 a month on the things that make them happy, with 61% spending up to R1,000. 

The survey also found that South Africans are willing to spend money to make someone else happy. When asked what they would most likely spend R100 on to make another person happy, 25% said they would help someone with an essential need, 22% would buy a small gift and 20% would spend it on a meal or groceries. A further 19% would put the money towards a charity or cause.

When a smile needs specialist care

But what happens when being able to smile involves more than a small moment of happiness or something money can simply buy?

When asked how much they knew about cleft lip and palate and the treatment and care children may need, 44% of respondents said they knew a little. A cleft lip and/or palate is a birth condition that can affect a child’s ability to eat, speak and hear and may require specialist treatment as they grow. While general awareness of the condition appears limited, 85% of those who were aware of cleft lip and palate said they knew that children with clefts may need further care and specialist surgeries as they grow.

There was also a significant gap in perceptions around the cost of cleft surgery. A third of respondents (33%) believe an operation costs more than R45,000, while 23% estimated the cost at between R5,000 and R15,000.

Through its fundraising efforts, specialist volunteer networks and healthcare partnerships, Operation Smile South Africa is able to provide cleft surgery at a cost of approximately R40 000 per operation. This is made possible by the support of donors and the specialist volunteers who give their time and expertise to provide this care.

It is a reminder that contributions of all sizes can help Operation Smile provide life-changing cleft care to more children and adults who need it.

“Living with an unrepaired cleft can affect so many aspects of a person’s life. For children and their families, the journey can also involve stigma, bullying and social isolation,” says Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa. “For many families, particularly those in rural communities, accessing specialist care can be incredibly difficult. Our work is about bringing safe surgery and comprehensive cleft care (i.e. speech therapy, dental, psychosocial and nutritional support)   closer to the homes of people with clefts and making a life-changing difference.”

Families in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape urged to come forward

As World Smile Day approaches, Operation Smile South Africa is calling on families and individuals across the country but most especially in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape to come forward to be assessed for free specialist cleft care. In Limpopo, Operation Smile South Africa will host a patient registration and screening during the National Oral Health Outreach in Thohoyandou on 15 October.  In the Eastern Cape, Operation Smile’s specialist medical volunteer will conduct free cleft surgeries at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha from 30 October to 01 November 2026. The programme will kick off with patient screening on Thursday, 29 October, where each patient will receive a comprehensive medical assessment to determine their suitability for surgery. Every treatment plan is guided by the patient’s individual medical needs and wellbeing.

For those who are approved for surgery, the programme provides care throughout the surgical and recovery process, with a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals including cleft surgeons, anaesthetists, paediatricians, nurses, dentists, speech therapists, psychologists and other specialists.

The annual cleft surgical programme is part of Operation Smile’s partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Health, aimed at strengthening comprehensive cleft care across the province. In October 2025, Operation Smile’s specialist volunteer medical team performed 32 cleft surgeries at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital after screening more than 40 patients. This year’s programme has been extended to three surgical days.

“We want families to know that they do not have to navigate this difficult journey alone. If you or your child is living with an unrepaired cleft, please get in touch with us and let our team explain how we can help,” says Scarth.

If you or your child has an unrepaired cleft lip and/or cleft palate, contact Operation Smile South Africa to find out whether you could be eligible for assessment and potential treatment.

For enquiries and information please WhatsApp Operation Smile’s Patient Coordinators on 060 855 7971 or email infosa@operationsmile.org

For more information, visit www.operationsmile.org.za

The Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards 2026 are now open for nominations, celebrating the designers, makers, retailers, students, tastemakers and changemakers challenging business as usual and helping shape a more sustainable, circular and regenerative fashion industry.

Now in their eighth edition, the Awards recognise people and organisations working towards a fashion and textile industry that is kind, fair, inclusive, diverse, nature-friendly and circular.

“Since we launched the awards eight years ago, our judges have identified people and organisations working towards a fashion and textile industry that is kind, fair, inclusive, diverse, nature-friendly and circular. They are added to our growing ecosystem and trusted online directory,” says Jackie May, the director of Twyg. 

This year, the Awards continue to broaden the conversation about what sustainable fashion can be, with a particular focus on artisanal practice, innovation and the richness of fashion and textile production across Africa.

Nominations close on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.

How to enter

You do not need to submit garments or prepare a traditional portfolio to enter.

Nominees can nominate themselves or a peer and complete the relevant Twyg entry form, providing information about their work and demonstrating how it meets the criteria for their chosen category.

View the 2026 categories and nomination forms:
 https://twyg.co.za/twyg-sustainable-fashion-awards-2026-nominations/

Entries will be assessed against pre-defined criteria, including quality and design, ethical labour, transparency, resource use, material sourcing, waste and pollution, environmental and climate impact, and sustainable and circular practice.

The 2026 categories

The 2026 Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards comprise nine open categories:

●     Accessory Award: this award celebrates accessory brands that combine quality, durability and thoughtful design with ethical labour practices, responsible materials and consideration of end-of-life.

●     Artisanal Fashion Award celebrating designers and makers using artisanal and craft techniques, including weaving, beading, embroidery, botanical dyeing and other traditional and contemporary practices. The Award recognises the skills, knowledge, people and cultural heritage embedded in craft.

●     Emerging Designer Award recognising designers at the beginning of establishing their brands who demonstrate creativity, quality and a commitment to environmental, social and cultural responsibility.

●     Fashion Innovation Award recognising innovative approaches to fashion’s environmental and social challenges, including new materials, technologies, construction techniques, waste reduction and circular design.

●     Pan-African Award celebrating a designer or fashion brand from an African country other than South Africa that is contributing to a more responsible African fashion ecosystem and supporting local production, skills, livelihoods, craft and value chains.

●     Retail Award recognising retailers and retail initiatives using fashion retail as a force for environmental and social good, including through resale, rental, repair, swapping and other circular models.

●     Student Award celebrating students at South African academic institutions who are using sustainable and circular design principles to challenge conventional approaches to fashion.

●     Tastemaker Award recognising photographers, stylists, influencers, writers, thought-leaders and content creators who promote sustainable, circular, local and African fashion and help shift the conversation around responsible production and consumption.

●     Trans-seasonal Design Award celebrating versatile, timeless and durable fashion that challenges the trend-driven cycles of fast fashion.

Celebrating African fashion futures

The Awards reflect Twyg’s belief that transforming fashion requires more than designers alone.

It requires makers and craftspeople, producers and retailers, students and educators, communicators and entrepreneurs – people working across the fashion ecosystem to rethink how clothes and accessories are designed, made, sold, worn and valued.

The Artisanal Fashion Award celebrates designers and makers using artisanal and craft techniques, including weaving, beading, embroidery, botanical dyeing and other traditional and contemporary practices. The Award honours the legacy of the late South African designer Nicholas Coutts and his exploration of traditional craft and techniques in contemporary fashion.

The Pan-African Award recognises the growing movement of designers and fashion practitioners across the continent who are developing locally rooted alternatives to extractive fashion systems.

The Changemaker Award is not open for nominations. It is awarded to the strongest overall candidate emerging from the eligible categories and recognises an exceptional contribution to changing the fashion system through sustainable, circular, ethical and/or regenerative practice.

The Changemaker will receive a cash prize of R100 000.

The Pan-African Award is not eligible for consideration for the Changemaker Award due to logistical considerations.

The 2026 winners will be announced on 19 November, and a celebration will hosted in Cape Town on the same day.

Nominations close: Wednesday, 14 October 2026

View the full list of categories and nomination forms:
 https://twyg.co.za/twyg-sustainable-fashion-awards-2026-nominations/

For awards and editorial information:

Karina@spreadcomms.co.za 084 347 3358

Kolor Kote has been providing internationally certified powder coating solutions for multiple industrial uses since 2012. This includes powder coating application solutions for the steel and aluminium industries.

The company first underwent a Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) assessment in 2023 and has since been committed to implementing many of the recommendations made, including water management, and driving energy efficiency.

Bianca Latchman, NCPC specialist supporting Kolor Kote, said that the RECP savings are estimated to be valued at almost R 620 000. “The implemented measures may appear modest, but the interventions have delivered noteworthy results in reducing utility consumption and associated costs in terms of energy and water.

These Energy savings were achieved through the installation of gun blowers at the end of the slinkies and the repositioning of a ventilation fan to improve operational efficiency. Recognising the ongoing water scarcity challenges in the country, the company also prioritised responsible water management by conducting frequent leak detection and installing appropriate piping to minimise losses.

Latchman commends Kolor Kote for being resilient and innovative adjusting its practices to remain both economically and environmentally sustainable, despite reduced demand and increasing operating costs. “Despite numerous constraints facing industry in recent years, the company adopted a more strategic and resource-conscious approach to operations. During the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdown, Kolor Kote learned to function effectively with a reduced workforce and embraced a shift in mindset towards smarter, more efficient ways of working.”

The organisation used the opportunity to strengthen internal processes, particularly in enhancing health and safety practices, in addition to a reduced environmental footprint.

Kolor Kote’s journey demonstrates that meaningful change begins with a different way of thinking. While resource efficiency initiatives may encounter barriers, often rooted in established ways of working, this case illustrates that commitment, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change can yield tangible business benefits. At the same time, these efforts contribute positively to environmental sustainability, reinforcing the value of integrating resource efficiency into everyday operations.

School pride, teamwork and a little healthy competition came alive in Monteseel this Arbour Month when learners from five KwaZulu-Natal schools swapped their classrooms for the great outdoors. Their mission? To plant fruit trees that will help establish a space for ongoing community engagement, personal development and learning, with opportunities for training in tree propagation and caring for the land, all while competing for the title in the annual Husqvarna South Africa Schools Challenge.

Hosted at Greenheart Organics in partnership with Food & Trees for Africa, the 2026 event brought together teams from Durban High School, Weston Agricultural College, Glenwood High School, Westville Boys’ High School and Hillcrest High School for an afternoon that tested their teamwork, speed, efficiency and tree-planting skills.

First introduced in 2024 as a contest between Durban High School and Weston Agricultural College, the challenge has grown into a five-school event, with new teams adding to the competition and the school spirit on display.

And this year, the ante was upped. In the previous two editions, teams competed to dig holes for the trees. This time, they took on the full planting process, from digging and adding compost to planting, mulching and watering. Ground preparation made the soil softer to work with, but the additional tasks demanded more coordination and care from each team.

While there could only be one winner, the purpose went beyond school honours. For learners, it was a chance to contribute something practical while learning what it takes to give a newly planted tree a good start.

After a fiercely contested challenge, Weston Agricultural College was crowned the 2026 champion, walking away with a Husqvarna blower and a R5,000 voucher to redeem at Husqvarna’s online store. Durban High School secured second place and a R5,000 voucher, while Hillcrest High School finished third and received a R2,500 voucher.

Every participating school also went home with a fruit tree to plant on its grounds, allowing learners to put their new skills into practice beyond the competition.

Kathy Boast, an educator at Weston Agricultural College, said the team was incredibly proud to take the title. “The learners really threw themselves into the challenge and worked exceptionally well as a team. Of course, as previous winners and runners-up, they came here wanting to win. But what made the experience particularly special was knowing that they were also contributing to something that will have an impact long after today.”

Husqvarna South Africa Marketing Manager Timothy Isabirye said the event’s evolution reflects the company’s desire to make its annual Arbour Month initiative more meaningful.

“Every year, we ask ourselves how we can build on what we did before and give learners more to take away from the experience,” he explained. “This is about giving young people the chance to get outside, put their hands in the soil and realise that planting and caring for trees is something we can all take part in.”

And the partnership with Food & Trees for Africa connects the event to an organisation that works across South Africa through tree-planting, food-security and environmental programmes.

“These fruit trees have been planted to benefit the community,” Isabirye noted. “But reaching that point takes time, suitable growing conditions and ongoing care. Planting day is the start, and we want learners to see that looking after a tree matters just as much as getting it into the ground.”

“The trophy and the competition are the fun part,” he added. “We hope learners leave proud of what they’ve done, with a new practical skill and an understanding of how they can contribute to making their world a better place.”

After a Northern Hemisphere summer that the World Meteorological Organization reported as the warmest on record, South Africa is now heading into its own hot season, with a strengthening El Niño in the background. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) anticipates above‑normal minimum and maximum temperatures across most of the country through spring and early summer, with generally drier, warmer conditions expected as the season develops.

Acting on this information and preparing now can make all the difference to your garden when hotter conditions do set in: from improving soil moisture retention and checking irrigation systems to putting smarter watering routines in place.

“It’s an easy mistake to react to very hot weather by simply reaching for the hose more often, but more water is not necessarily better,” says Fathima Mathen, Marketing Manager for GARDENA South Africa. “The trick is to water more intelligently using the right equipment to get moisture to the plant where and when it needs it, while wasting as little as possible.”

GARDENA’s Micro-Drip System, for example, uses adjustable drip heads and drip watering, which can reduce water use by up to 70% compared with conventional watering methods. Drip lines, inline drippers and soaker hoses can also keep beds, borders and vegetable gardens watered without giving every nearby paving stone a drink too.

Timing also matters. Watering during the cooler parts of the day, either very early in the morning or after sunset, helps reduce evaporation. “Plants cope better when watering is consistent too,” adds Mathen. “An automatic water control system takes the guesswork out of watering. These highly efficient watering devices can be scheduled to irrigate gardens at any time of day or night. This is particularly useful when people are busy, away or trying to avoid overwatering.”

Container gardens require even more attention in hot weather than in-ground gardens, often needing a top-up sooner. Pots dry out fast, especially on sunny patios and balconies, but fortunately there’s also technology for that, like GARDENA’s AquaBloom Solar Irrigation Set. It draws water from its own container and can irrigate up to 20 plants without needing either a tap or power, providing a simple, fuss-free solution. 

The smartest watering systems, however, still need healthy soil to be effective. A layer of mulch acts like sunscreen for bare earth, slowing moisture loss and keeping roots cooler, while compost and water-retaining conditioners improve the soil’s ability to hold onto what it gets.

The GARDENA Soil Moisture Sensor is highly recommended as an intelligent watering solution that helps prevent unnecessary water wastage. Connected to any GARDENA Water Control, the sensor continuously measures soil moisture levels and ensures irrigation only takes place when additional watering is required. Following rainfall or when sufficient moisture is present in the soil, the sensor automatically overrides the scheduled watering cycle, helping to conserve water while maintaining optimal plant health.

And when rain does arrive, storing as much as possible means you’ll rely less on the garden tap when it really counts. A rain barrel or storage tank can turn a single downpour into a reserve you can draw on later, instead of watching it disappear the moment the sun returns.

Of course, the equipment doing all this work has to handle summer too. GARDENA’s UV-resistant watering products are designed to withstand prolonged sun exposure and high temperatures, so they can keep doing their job when the heat is on.

“As global temperatures rise, El Niño can make hot, dry conditions even harder on gardens, and while we can’t control temperatures, we can choose to be water‑smart,” Mathen concludes. “A resilient garden isn’t about watering more to keep everything green at all costs. It’s about thoughtful watering: the right amount, at the right time.”

That’s good gardening in summer… and good water sense at any time of year.

To learn more about GARDENA’s watering solutions, visit https://www.gardena.com/za.

·       Co-located with South Africa Infrastructure Expo, featuring Transport Evolution Africa, the exhibitions featured expert-led discussions on project delivery, infrastructure planning and transport development

·       The events, featuring more than 400 exhibitors from over 25 countries, concluded today at Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg

As Big 5 Construct South Africa, co-located with South Africa Infrastructure Expo, featuring Transport Evolution Africa entered the final day. The events’ programme was complemented by the 4^th edition of Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards, held on the evening of 10 June, celebrating projects, organizations and individuals making a significant contribution to South Africa’s built environment.

“The level of engagement we have seen across the event demonstrates the value of bringing construction, infrastructure and transport stakeholders together in one environment. Buyers, suppliers, project owners, investors and policymakers are connecting around the opportunities driving South Africa’s development pipeline, while exhibitors are engaging directly with the decision-makers responsible for delivering projects across the region,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President, dmg events.

The events saw continued activity across the exhibition floor and talks stages, as industry professionals gathered to explore opportunities, exchange expertise and discuss the future of construction, infrastructure and transport.

Spotlighting project delivery, infrastructure planning and transport growth

The second and third days of the exhibitions continued to spotlight discussions at the CPD-certified Big 5 Talks, which focused on improving project delivery, with industry experts examining the role of risk management, stakeholder alignment and accountability in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects more effectively. Presenting on risk mitigation and stakeholder management, Dr Alfred Theys, Acting Chief Operating Officer, South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), highlighted that project success is often determined long before construction begins, through early planning, stakeholder alignment and continuous monitoring throughout delivery.

The programme also explored practical approaches to sustainable construction, including the use of recycled materials and resource-efficient building methods.

At Infra360, Hugh Cole, Director: Policy and Strategy and Chief Data Officer, City of Cape Town, highlighted the growing role of data and AI in infrastructure planning, demonstrating how digital tools can support more informed decision-making, improve service delivery and help cities respond to future demand. Additional discussions examined smarter infrastructure delivery methods and technologies that can enhance efficiency across the project lifecycle.

Meanwhile, sessions at Transport Evolution Africa explored the role of special economic zones (SEZs) in supporting trade, logistics and industrial growth. Moderated by Gavin Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, The Road Freight Association, the discussion featured Dr Bheka Zulu, Chief Executive Officer, Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ); Martin Mahosi, Chairperson, Technical & Infrastructure Committee; Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ SOC); and Jabulani Sithole, Senior Manager – Business and Investor Support, Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone (DTP SEZ) the session highlighted the importance of infrastructure quality, transport connectivity and integrated planning in creating competitive economic hubs that support trade, investment and local economic development.

A second panel discussion focusing on road and rail integration as a driver of regional connectivity and logistics efficiency brought together Warwick Lord, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Multimodal Inland Port Association | Cato Ridge Inland Port; Ian Bird, Senior Executive, Transport & Logistics, Business Unity South Africa/Business for South Africa; Kabelo Rabotho, Director, Micromobility, Stellantis South Africa; Russell Baatjies, Chief Executive, Transnet Freight Rail; Mawethu Vilana, CILTSA Member, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; and Tshepo Kgobe, Chief Executive Officer, Gautrain, the discussion examined coordinated transport investment, freight efficiency and the role of public and private sector collaboration in strengthening regional trade and mobility.

The events concluded on a high note as Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards 2026 recognized impact in construction.

Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards 2026: Celebrating industry excellence

Spanning 13 awards, from Rising Star of the Year to Contractor of the Year, Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards recognized achievements in construction, infrastructure, sustainability, digital transformation and leadership, highlighting the breadth of talent and expertise across the industry.

“Behind every successful project are the people, teams and organizations that turn ambition into reality. Big 5 South Africa Impact Awards provide an opportunity to recognize the achievements that drive South Africa’s built environment today, while highlighting the leadership, expertise and commitment that continue to drive the industry’s future,” said Heijmans.

The events will return next year from 8 – 10 June 2027, offering industry professionals an opportunity to connect with leading brands, attend CPD-certified sessions and explore the latest products, technologies and solutions supporting the construction, infrastructure and transport sectors. Registration is free for trade and industry professionals aged 21 and over. For more information and to register, visit: Big 5 Construct South Africa: www.big5constructsouthafrica.com

South Africa Infrastructure Expo: www.southafricainfrastructureexpo.com

Transport Evolution Africa Expo: www.transportevolution.com

This is happening against a more demanding climate outlook. El Niño is strengthening and is expected to become very strong, while South Africa’s latest Seasonal Climate Watch points to below-normal rainfall across many areas and higher temperatures during the 2026/27 summer.

For hospitality developers and operators, the forecast adds another question to the rush to finish renovations and prepare properties for peak season. How will the building perform when conditions become more demanding?

“Most properties will check the obvious things before summer, especially rooms and cooling systems,” says Wynand Deyzel, Commercial Sales Manager at Solenco. “Humidity is easy to overlook because you do not always see the problem straight away. By the time a room smells damp, finishes start showing signs of moisture, or a HVAC system is taking strain, the issue has usually been there for some time.”

Moisture can build up for reasons that have little to do with the weather outside. Bathrooms, laundries, pools and spas all add moisture to the air. If it is not controlled, it can contribute to mould growth and damage materials and furnishings.

It can also affect how hard existing air-conditioning and HVAC systems have to work. These systems are managing temperature while also dealing with moisture in the air. When humidity remains high, they can consume more electricity trying to maintain comfortable indoor conditions, particularly during peak season when occupancy and cooling demand are already elevated. The additional workload can also increase wear and maintenance requirements.

“The best time to think about moisture is while the building is still being designed or renovated,” says Deyzel. “Architects and engineers can consider where it is likely to come from, how materials will respond, and how ventilation, HVAC and humidity control can work together once occupancy rises.”

Ventilation can help, but if the outside air is already carrying a lot of moisture, bringing more of it inside does not dry the space out. In persistently humid environments, a dedicated commercial dehumidifier can remove excess moisture directly from the air rather than leaving the HVAC system to carry the full load.

The type of dehumidification required will depend on the building and the moisture challenge. For ongoing humidity management, dedicated systems such as the Solenco Fairland Inverter-Plus Commercial Dehumidifier can work alongside existing HVAC infrastructure, with floor-standing or wall-mounted installation where floorspace is limited. For temporary challenges such as flooding, water ingress or moisture after cleaning, mobile units can accelerate drying, minimise disruption and return affected areas to use more quickly.

For operators, the objective is not simply to add another appliance. Dedicated dehumidification allows moisture to be managed by equipment designed specifically for that purpose, helping reduce unnecessary strain on existing cooling systems.

Choosing the right solution depends on the moisture load and how the space is used. Expected running time, power consumption and drainage should all be considered when specifying equipment for a hospitality environment.

“A hospitality building has to keep performing long after the construction team has left,” says Deyzel. “If moisture is considered early, dedicated humidity control can work alongside existing HVAC rather than waiting for those systems to take strain. That helps operators protect the building, the equipment running it and the guest experience they have invested in creating.”