By Kgaugelo Selane and Mihlali Matiwane
In a powerful show of collaboration, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), South African Society for Agricultural Extension (SASAE), and the Department of Agriculture (DoA) co-hosted the 58th Annual SASAE Conference, recently held in celebration of the organisation’s first-ever Agricultural Extension Week.
The five-day event gathered agricultural experts, researchers, students, and government officials from across South Africa to share insights, forge new partnerships, and champion innovative, climate-smart strategies for sustainable rural development.
TUT played a significant role in reinforcing its commitment to agricultural education, research and community engagement. Through its participation in the conference, the university highlighted the importance of connecting academic knowledge with practical, on-the-ground solutions. Prof Grany Mmatsatsi Senyolo, Associate Professor in the Department of Crop Sciences described the experience as both collaborative and enriching. “Co-hosting this conference with SASAE and DoA was a truly enriching experience,” she said. “It allowed us to bridge the gap between the classroom and the field by linking our students directly with farmers and rural communities.”
Prof Senyolo added that TUT’s relationship with SASAE is not new. Staff members from both the Department of Crop Sciences and the Department of Animal Sciences are active SASAE members and the partnership is already a core part of the university’s work. “This is not a new partnership,” she said. “We are already working as one.”
Prof Grany Mmatsatsi Senyolo, Associate Professor in the Department of Crop Sciences
The conference welcomed a diverse group of participants, including government officials, academics, students, private sector stakeholders, extension officers and rural community leaders. The programme featured expert presentations, panel discussions, research paper sessions and practical demonstrations. Attendees also took part in a wellness day, a farm excursion and a celebratory gala dinner recognising innovation and success in the field of agricultural extension.
Thulani Masondo, President of SASAE, highlighted the importance of the event in strengthening the country’s agricultural support systems. “The aim is to share strategies that have worked, to learn from each other and to build strong networks towards improved service delivery,” he explained. “Without collaboration with researchers, universities and the private sector, our work in agricultural extension will not reach the desired outcomes.”
Masondo thanked the organising team and acknowledged the support of TUT, the South African Forum for Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services (SAFAEAS), the DoA and the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD).
Thulani Masondo, President of SASAE
SASAE’s Vice President and Conference Chairperson, Thulisile Mabila, said the event’s success resulted from careful planning and teamwork. “When organising a conference of this scale, it is important to know exactly what outcomes you work towards,” she said. “Although there were challenges along the way, planning ahead and receiving strong support from delegates made a big difference.”
The conference demonstrated the strength of partnerships and the value of collaboration between academic institutions, practitioners and communities. As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, the connection between TUT and SASAE is expected to grow stronger, offering more opportunities for student training, applied research and long-term rural development.
Delegates comprised a diverse group of participants, including government officials, academics, students, private sector stakeholders, extension officers and rural community leaders.