In a beautiful celebration of wheat, we meet farmer Kosie van Zyl, who grows the grain at Agri Dwala and look at how Sasko bread is made so soft.
South Africa (11 December 2025) – The wheat for many SASKO loaves starts on the fields of Agri Dwala in Napier, Overberg, where community, practical training and careful stewardship shape each season. Agri Dwala is a fully black-owned farming enterprise operating across two farms and the Napier municipal commonage, managing about 580 hectares and producing wheat, barley, oats, canola, and rearing livestock.
Mentorship that opened doors
The enterprise began with long-time farmer Kosie van Zyl, who grew up in the fields of Napier and learned farming through daily practice. Kosie’s career was sparked by an act of generosity: someone helped him gain access to land, opening a door that changed his life. That experience influenced how he would later support emerging farmers – not with once-off assistance but with practical mentorship rooted in real work and shared responsibility.
Growing leaders
Kosie’s approach helped shape people like Daniel Pieters, who studied agriculture before returning to work with him. Over nearly two decades later, Daniel has become one of Agri Dwala’s core leaders, growing alongside the enterprise and building expertise through continuous learning and on-the-ground experience. He contributes not only to production but to strengthening the team’s knowledge each season through workshops and shared practices.
Another growing leader is Antonio Vywer, who represents the next generation of Agri Dwala. Farming runs in his family, and his early memories of being in the fields with his grandfather inspired his career path. After finishing school and studying agriculture, he inherited shares in the business and stepped into Agri Dwala with both a deep-rooted passion and a commitment to building its future.
Shared purpose, real impact
Agri Dwala’s story is also connected to a long-term partnership. Pioneer Foods, now part of PepsiCo Southern Africa (PepsiCo SA), played a meaningful role in helping the enterprise acquire 316 hectares of land in its early stages. That support provided stability at a critical time and formed the foundation for a relationship built on shared purpose, loyalty and a belief in developing capable, committed farmers.
PepsiCo SA, through its procurement team, continues to provide market access by purchasing wheat from Agri Dwala. This partnership reflects PepsiCo’s broader commitment to strengthening local sourcing and enabling emerging farmers to participate meaningfully in agricultural value chains.
From farmland to family tables
Today, Agri Dwala stands as a testament to what can grow when people are equipped with practical skills, access to land and the confidence to lead – and those same fields help put SASKO loaves on family tables across South Africa.
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