How S’busisiwe Sithebe Is Transforming South Africa's Agriculture With Insights From China

A recent training trip to China has reignited the passion of Free State entrepreneur and food handling professional S’busisiwe Sithebe for the agricultural sector.

The 41-year-old, from Kroonstad, was the only South African among 29 participants who attended a Training Course on Agro-Product Processing Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Loss Reduction Technology for Belt and Road Countries.

The course was held at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Mechanisation Science Group Co in Beijing from May 20 to June 9.

For Sithebe, the experience offered more than an opportunity to develop her technical skills. It also gave her a renewed sense of purpose and confidence to explore new ways of contributing to South Africa’s agricultural and food sectors.

“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,” she said.

Among the aspects of China’s agricultural sector that made the biggest impression on Sithebe were its mechanised vegetable tunnels, processing plants and integrated cold-chain systems.

She was particularly impressed by the way produce is graded, cooled and minimally processed close to the source, an approach she believes could help South Africa reduce post-harvest losses.

“The way they combine cold-chain, grading and minimal processing at source is something we can adapt in South Africa to cut post-harvest losses quickly,” she said.

Sithebe’s interest in food and agriculture extends beyond her professional role. She is also associated with Buska Foods, a fast-food business with a strong footprint in the Free State, and previously appeared on the reality television show Boss Ladies.

She now hopes to use the knowledge gained during her time in China to introduce practical improvements in food handling and processing.

“I’ll focus on three things: better cooling and handling, training staff on hygiene and storage and improving workflow from farm to market,” she said.

“I’ll pilot small changes first, measure results, then scale what works.”

Sithebe’s trip to China was made possible through the ANC’s Progressive Citizens Forum, a subscription-based platform aimed at members of society who wish to partner with the party in building stronger communities.

Looking ahead, she hopes her experience will contribute to stronger ties between South Africa and China, particularly in the agricultural sector.

“China has the technology and South Africa has the crops and markets. More training and adapted technology transfer will help both countries cut food loss, improve food security and create jobs,” she said.

For Sithebe, the journey has strengthened her belief that agricultural innovation does not only belong to large corporations or established institutions.

With the right knowledge, partnerships and willingness to experiment, she believes small changes can make a meaningful difference, from the farm to the market and ultimately to the consumer.

IOL