The University of the Free State (UFS) has been chosen to host the South African Circular Agriculture Initiative (SACAI), a pioneering program aimed at placing South Africa’s agriculture sector at the forefront of the circular economy movement. This selection underscores the growing prominence of the UFS Green Futures Hub and positions the university as a leader in sustainable agricultural innovation.
SACAI, spearheaded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), will be based at the Green Futures Hub from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The initiative aligns with the Science, Technology, and Innovation Decadal Plan (2022 to 2032) and the Circular Economy STI Strategy (2024 to 2034), both of which aim to promote sustainable development through advanced science and research.
Professor Wayne Truter, a research professor at the UFS Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry and a key figure in the Green Futures Hub’s executive management, described the appointment as a significant milestone. “It is a great honour and privilege to have been awarded this initiative,” Truter said. “The funding and national visibility that come with SACAI will elevate the Green Futures Hub’s role in driving circularity in agriculture. It will strengthen our capacity to serve as a leader in science, technology, and innovation for the agricultural sector.”
SACAI’s primary objective is to modernize South Africa’s agriculture sector by integrating circular economy principles, which focus on reducing waste, regenerating natural systems, and maximizing resource use. The initiative will achieve this through workshops with sector stakeholders, developing a national strategy, and collaborating with public research institutions to advance circular economy practices in agro-processing, regenerative agriculture, and biorefinery development.
Operating through a hub-and-spoke model, SACAI aims to create a cohesive national innovation system that supports the country’s sustainable development goals. This approach will foster strategic partnerships locally and internationally, directly supporting industry stakeholders and facilitating relevant research outputs.
Truter emphasized that SACAI aligns with the Green Futures Hub’s vision to become a global leader in sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in developing contexts. “By leveraging the latest research and technology, we can help create a future where agriculture coexists harmoniously with natural systems, securing long-term resilience and prosperity for our communities,” he said.
SACAI will also drive the adoption and acceleration of circular practices within the agriculture sector, helping farmers and agri-businesses scale innovative technologies. These efforts are expected to improve resource efficiency, enhance food security, and reduce the sector’s environmental footprint.
The initiative contributes to UFS’s Vision 130, a strategic plan marking the university’s 130th anniversary with a focus on research-led innovation, inclusion, and regional engagement. “This initiative will enable the university to contribute to development and social justice by promoting circular farming practices that reduce waste, optimise resources, and increase resilience, especially in rural and marginalised areas,” Truter said. “It will also offer hands-on opportunities for students, supporting our student-centred approach and preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders with practical, future-ready skills.”
Professor Vasu Reddy, deputy vice-chancellor for research and internationalisation at UFS, praised the initiative, highlighting the institution’s leadership in agricultural innovation. “This accolade speaks volumes of the calibre of our scholars and the recognition of our expertise in the agricultural domain. The UFS is exceptionally proud of Professor Truter’s vision and drive,” Reddy said. He added that the university is poised to redefine agriculture’s future through research, implementation, and long-term impact. “We will not simply be the heartland,” Reddy concluded, “but the growing soul and substance of what agriculture might become. We are watching this space with deep curiosity.”
As SACAI begins its tenure at the UFS Green Futures Hub, the university is ready to lead the transformation of South Africa’s agricultural sector into a model of circular innovation and sustainable development. This move is crucial not only for the country but also for the planet.
