On 12 May, interns in the Phytosanitation and Biosecurity Internship Program in FABI had the exciting opportunity to attend NAMPO Harvest Day 2026 in Bothaville. The interns are funded by South African Cultivar and Technology Agency (SACTA), and include Ntandoyenkosi Vilakazi, Thamia Laka, Mandlenkosi Dube, Junior Mateya, Colisane Nyoni, and Noluthando Gwala. For most of them, it was their first time attending the event, making the experience even more memorable and impactful.

The primary objective of the visit was to engage with stakeholders across the agricultural sector, gain valuable industry insights, and expand their professional networks. One of the highlights of the day was the privilege of meeting SACTA’s CEO, Andrew Bennett. This provided the interns with an opportunity to express their appreciation for the programme and to share meaningful and light-hearted moments together. The interns also had the privilege of meeting Menzi Ngcamu from AFGRI, during which discussions focused on key challenges faced by farmers and the initiatives being implemented to address them.

Overall, the interns described the day as informative, inspiring, and unforgettable, an experience that further strengthened their passion for agriculture, innovation, and research.