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The BVM’s Colin January and Chad Malgas, both featured in the documentary, ahead of the screening. Photo Riaan West/CoE-FS.

The DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS) marked a milestone, having recently premiered its first documentary, Harvesting a Valley of Resilience: Challenges and Solutions from the Western Cape, at the Little Theatre in Worcester. The special occasion brought together researchers, policymakers, activists, and community members to engage with a compelling visual narrative on food security in one of South Africa’s most agriculturally productive regions.

Hosted by the CoE-FS, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), and the Urban Food Resilience under Climate Change Challenges (UrbanFOSC) project, the documentary sheds light on the paradox of food insecurity in the Breede Valley Municipality (BVM), in the Western Cape.

Following years of research in and with the BVM, the CoE-FS, CIRAD and the UrbanFOSC project hosted the premiere in Worcester, with local stakeholders. Photo Riaan West/CoE-FS.

The documentary, which was made possible by the CoE-FS, CIRAD and UrbanFOSC, in partnership with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; the European Commission; the University of the Western Cape (UWC); the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation; the National Research Foundation; and France’s Agence Nationale de la Recherche, marked a significant step in collaborative, ongoing efforts to address food security challenges in the region.

Understanding local food systems

Set in the BVM, Harvesting a Valley of Resilience: Challenges and Solutions from the Western Cape explores the paradox of food security in one of South Africa’s most agriculturally productive regions. While the valley thrives on fruit, wine, and poultry production, local communities face challenges such as persistent food insecurity, child malnutrition, unemployment, and poverty, and climate change threatens the regional food system and the livelihoods generated within the region.

Through in-depth research, expert insights, and compelling local narratives, the documentary unpacks how these challenges shape the region’s food system. But it goes further: it highlights innovative solutions that are paving the way for a more resilient and inclusive food system — ranging from circular economy practices, policy interventions, and community-driven sustainability efforts.

Attendees included policymakers, community activists, researchers, and local business. Andries September, featured in the documentary, is pictured in the centre. Photo Riaan West/CoE-FS.

The premiere was attended by CoE-FS and UWC staff, including Robyn Engelbrecht (CoE-FS administrative assistant) and Nolutando Didiza (CoE-FS administrative assistant and UWC master’s student). Didiza is featured in the documentary. Photo Riaan West/CoE-FS.

Drawing on the experiences and expertise of the CoE-FS, CIRAD, the Southern Africa Food Lab (SA Food Lab), and the local community, the documentary features inputs from CoE-FS director Professor Julian May; CIRAD and CoE-FS researcher Dr Arlène Alpha; CoE-FS/UWC PhD candidate Ashley Haywood; the BVM’s Local Economic Development manager Colin January; Chad Malgas, the BVM’s manager for the Integrated Development Plan; Vinpro’s Logan Jooste; community activist Andries September; principal of the Zwelethemba-based early childhood development centre Sinethemba, Brenda Siko; RAINBOW Chicken’s Wouter de Wet; CIRAD researcher Dr Damien Jourdain; Local South’s Marcela Guerrero Casas; BVM councillor Nik Wullschleger; CoE-FS administrative assistant and UWC master’s student Nolutando Didiza; SA Food Lab’s Professor Scott Drimie; Touws River Commercial Hydroponic Farm’s Rudi Moses; and JAT Fruit’s Louw Theron.

Lucentlands Media’s Louise Brodie and CoE-FS Director Professor Julian May. Photo Riaan West/CoE-FS.

It was produced by the CoE-FS, drawing on the services of the local BVM media company, Lucentlands Media.

Addressing challenges through dialogue

The screening was followed by a dynamic panel discussion featuring experts and local stakeholders who unpacked the documentary’s findings. On the panel was Professor May; Louise Brodie, director and head of content creation at Lucentlands Media; Chad Malgas; and Phumza Zotwana, a social entrepreneur and founder of the NPO, Khulisa Food and Nutrition Security. The panel discussion was facilitated by the CoE-FS’s Finance Manager, Elaine Petersen. Introductory remarks were delivered by Colin January.

Reflecting on the documentary, panellists discussed pressing issues impacting the region’s food system, from structural inequalities to the role of circular economy practices, policy interventions, and community-driven sustainability efforts.

The panel discussion was moderated by the CoE-FS’s Elaine Petersen, with input from Chad Malgas, Louise Brodie, Phumza Zotwana and Professor Julian May. Photo Riaan West/CoE-FS.

Attendees joined in a lively debate on the future of food security in the BVM, emphasising the need for collaborative action between government, industry, grassroots organisations, and community members. Many expressed optimism about the pathways outlined in the documentary, reinforcing the importance of continued research and advocacy.

CoE-FS Nutrition lead Professor Rina Swart and CoE-FS researcher Loubie Rusch. Photo Riaan West/CoE-FS.

The Compassionate Hearts team, who participated in the CoE-FS’s learning journey in Touwsrivier, joined the screening and discussion. Photo Riaan West/CoE-FS.

For those who missed the premiere, additional screenings and discussions are scheduled in the coming months, ensuring broader engagement with these critical issues. Subscribe to the CoE-FS’s YouTube channel, to ensure you’re notified when the documentary goes live.