S’busisiwe Sithebe uses Chinese experience to transform South African agriculture

For Sithebe, this experience was not just an opportunity to improve technical skills; it also restored her sense of purpose and confidence in how she can contribute to South Africa's agricultural and food sectors.

Applying Acquired Knowledge

As a new food processing employee at Serdev, Sithebe stated that the training enhanced her technical competence and confidence, enabling her to better understand post-harvest technologies and prepare to launch initiatives to reduce losses and improve food safety back home.

The aspects of Chinese agriculture impressed Sithebe the most, such as mechanized vegetable tunnels, processing plants, and integrated cold chain systems. She was particularly struck by how sorting, cooling, and minimal processing are done near the source, which she believes can help South Africa reduce post-harvest losses.

Plans for Implementing Changes

Sithebe's interest in nutrition and agriculture extends beyond her professional duties. She is also associated with Buska Foods, a fast-food business with a strong presence in the Free State, and previously participated in the reality show Boss Ladies. Now, she intends to use the knowledge gained in China to implement practical improvements in food processing and storage.

She plans to focus on three areas: improving cooling and product handling, training staff on hygiene and storage, and optimizing the workflow from farm to market. Sithebe emphasized that she will first conduct small pilot changes, measure the results, and then scale up what proves effective.

International Cooperation

Sithebe's trip to China was organized through the ANC Progressive Forum, a subscription platform designed for members of society wishing to collaborate with the party in building stronger communities. In the future, she hopes her experience will strengthen ties between South Africa and China, especially in the agricultural sector.

Sithebe believes that China possesses the technology, while South Africa has the crops and markets. She is confident that further training and adaptive technology transfer will help both countries reduce food waste, enhance food security, and create jobs. For her, this journey reinforced the conviction that agricultural innovations are accessible not only to large corporations or established institutions but can be achieved through knowledge, partnership, and a willingness to experiment.