SASPP 2026 Biennial Congress
The University of KwaZulu-Natal hosted the 54th Biennial Congress of the Southern African Society for Plant Pathology (SASPP) at the Premier Hotel Umhlanga, from 18 – 21 January 2026, with the theme: “Ukuqinisekisa Ikusasa Elisimeme Ngempilo Yezitshalo” (English translation “Ensuring a Sustainable Future through Plant Health”). The organising committee was chaired by Prof Augustine Gubba and included Prof Kwasi Yobo, Dr Benice Sivparsad and Dr Nokwazi Mbili.
1 December 2025 Start for 2018 Plant Improvement Act
President Cyril Ramaphosa has proclaimed the start date of the 2018 Plant Improvement Act, which will come into effect on 1 December 2025.
The Act was signed into law by the president in March 2019, alongside the 2018 Plant Breeders’ Rights Act; however, the Act was not put into full effect.
The laws facilitate:
- The registration of certain types of businesses that deal with plants and propagating material intended for cultivation and sale, as well as the registration of the premises where such businesses operate;
- The establishment of quality standards for plants and propagating material intended for cultivation and sale, along with the conditions under which they may be sold;
- A national system for listing plant varieties;
- The evaluation of plant varieties to determine their value, particularly where there is uncertainty regarding their suitability for cultivation and use;
- The control of the import and export of plants and propagating material; and
- A system governing different types of schemes for plants and propagating material, together with related matters.
The new legislation will enable South Africa to support sustainable crop production by regulating the quality of plants and seeds used in agriculture.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds (ISBCW) is the most important event for weed biocontrol scientists from all over the world. Approximately every four years, this gathering provides an opportunity for participants to exchange advances, renew ties of friendship, develop new collaborations, and discuss the way forward.
The NSTF Discussion Forums are platforms for constructive interaction and discussion with science, engineering technology (SET) and innovation stakeholders, including government, on key priority areas of concern to the SET community. The purpose of these events is to exchange expert knowledge from various perspectives on burning issues.
