A recent training programme in China has reignited a passion for agriculture and food processing.
According to the Free State Provincial Government (FSPG), S’busisiwe Sithebe (41) was the only South African among 29 participants who attended a Training Course on Agro-Product Processing Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Technology in Beijing from 20 May to 9 June.
The programme gave participants the opportunity to learn about advanced agricultural technologies and food processing systems aimed at reducing food loss and improving food security.
“This training has boosted my technical skills and confidence. As a newly promoted Food Handling Officer at Serdev, I now understand post-harvest technologies better and I’m ready to lead initiatives that reduce food loss and improve food safety back home,” said Sithebe.
As an entrepreneur and founder of Buska Foods in Kroonstad, she said China’s mechanised vegetable tunnels and processing plants offered valuable lessons that could be adapted in South Africa to improve efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses.
Back in the Free State, Sithebe plans to apply what she learned by improving cooling and handling systems, strengthening hygiene and storage practices, and streamlining the journey of produce from farm to market.
She believes stronger partnerships between South Africa and China could benefit local agriculture and create opportunities for economic growth and job creation. “More training and adapted technology transfer will help both countries cut food loss, improve food security and create jobs,” she said.
