Casidra Celebrates Milestone 36th Unqualified Audit Report for 2024/25

Casidra has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence and accountability, securing its 36th consecutive Unqualified Audit Report for the 2024/25 financial year. The achievement was celebrated during the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held on 8 September 2025 at Casidra’s head office, with the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, commending the entity for its consistent financial integrity.

“This is an extraordinary accomplishment,” Minister Meyer said. “I was honoured to receive the award on behalf of Casidra at the Premier Coordinating Forum meeting, where every department and entity represented was recognised for clean audits. I will ensure this award is delivered to Casidra as a symbol of its continued excellence.”

Minister Meyer reflected on Premier Alan Winde’s call earlier this year for government to “step up” and move beyond simply maintaining standards. “Casidra has embodied this call by raising the bar, not only in financial management but also in the way it communicates its impact. Short, accessible formats like infographics and TikTok videos will help tell Casidra’s story more effectively and strengthen public trust in government,” he added.

The Minister also encouraged Casidra to use platforms like Nampo to showcase its work through direct engagement and innovative storytelling. “This is Citizen-Centric Government in action,” he emphasised.

A Broader Economic Context

Minister Meyer placed Casidra’s achievement within the wider economic and agricultural landscape, noting the turbulence of global trade. Despite tariff challenges, South Africa recorded its largest-ever agricultural exports last year, valued at $14.7 billion, with 96% of products entering Europe tariff-free. The citrus sector, however, continues to face tariff pressures, requiring new market diversification.

He further outlined Casidra’s continued role in World Food Day, urging staff to contribute perishable food donations for distribution to vulnerable communities. “Casidra’s work in rural development is critical, and I would like to see initiatives like an annual business breakfast to address rural challenges,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted the Western Cape Government Investment Summit, launched at the JSE with an initial R1 billion investment target, and called on Casidra to align with international innovation models, such as Bavaria’s successful “startup-to-university-to-market” approach.

Leadership Reflections

Casidra’s Chairperson of the Board, Mr Christo van der Rheede, expressed deep gratitude for the organisation’s achievements under Minister Meyer’s executive oversight.

“Casidra has aligned itself with the Minister’s four key priorities: agricultural support, business support, food security and nutrition, and market access. These are not just strategic goals, they are lifelines for communities across the Western Cape,” Van der Rheede said.

He praised CEO Dr Keith du Plessis and his team for their tireless efforts. “The stories captured in Casidra’s newsletter reflect real impact. These are the stories that should be shared with our portfolio committee, because they show how Casidra is transforming lives in a polarised and uncertain world.”

Van der Rheede also commended the Audit and Risk Committee and interim CFO Ida Bezuidenhout for safeguarding the organisation’s financial health. “Sound financial management is the foundation of everything we do. Ida has done exceptional work in strengthening our systems. I urge management to continue prioritising impact as the measure of success.”

A Legacy of Accountability

Casidra’s 36th Unqualified Audit Report cements its position as one of the most reliable and transparent entities in the public sector. Beyond financial compliance, the achievement underscores the organisation’s broader mission delivering agricultural support, fostering rural development, and ensuring food security for the people of the Western Cape.

As Minister Meyer concluded: “Casidra is not just maintaining standards, it is stepping up, setting the bar higher, and proving that good governance can truly change lives.”