The farm and farmers will never be the same again after the launch of the Telkom Smart Agritech initiative in collaboration with Stellenbosch University, South Africa Wine and Aizatron. This pioneering project is set to revolutionise South Africa’s agricultural landscape, with a strong focus on the wine industry. Officially unveiled on 18 February 2025 at Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, this initiative harnesses cutting-edge technology to drive sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in farming. By integrating Telkom’s 5G connectivity, Aizatron’s expertise in AI and IoT, Stellenbosch University’s advanced agricultural research, and South Africa Wine’s expert industry knowledge and leadership, the project aims to set a new benchmark for smart, data-driven viticulture and broader agricultural innovation.
It is aimed at making the farmer smart and farm smart. This technology allows the farmer to have access to critical data in order to make better decisions with precision.
It’s key objectives includes, real-time monitoring of vineyard health and resource usage.improved farming efficiency and sustainable practices aswell as data-driven insights for optimising crop production and resource management. Speaking during the launch Lunga Siyo, Chief Executive Officer at Telkom CSB indicated that with the Smart Agritech initiative Telkom is “taking a bold step in transforming agriculture and showcasing how connectivity can unlock endless possibilities,”
The project includes a flagship vineyard research project at Welgevallen farm (Stellenbosch University), supported by South Africa Wine and the Water Research Commission, to provide the ideal testing environment to assess the impact of tech in farming. Siyo concluded by saying
“The Telkom Smart Agritech initiative is set to enhance the productivity of South Africa’s agricultural sector while offering a global model for sustainable, tech-driven farming practices. By harnessing the power of 5G connectivity, AI, and IoT, we are empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions that enhance productivity while conserving vital resources. This project exemplifies the potential of collaboration and innovation to address real-world challenges and create lasting impact,”
There’s no doubt that the future of farming is smart. Initiatives such as the one led by Telkom is a clear indication of what is possible. For now it has a focus on wine farming. It’s clear that tech will go beyond just enabling wine farmers to empower other farmers aswell.
As this project progresses, we may see more farmers adopting smart solutions in their own farms. It is one of the first academic project that illustrates what happens when tech is applied in farming.
