Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC)

About Macadamias South Africa

Macadamias South Africa (SAMAC) is the non-profit industry body for the country's macadamia growers. A group of growers formed it in the early 1970s so that they could tackle shared problems together. Today it operates as a non-profit company under the Companies Act of 2008. Its head office is in Tzaneen, Limpopo, in the heart of a major macadamia region.

SAMAC focuses on four main areas. These are research and development, transformation support for small-scale farmers, a data platform called the SAMAC Integrator, and market access. Research covers horticulture, pests, diseases and post-harvest handling. In recent years, SAMAC has also joined trade missions and agribusiness forums to open new markets.

How SAMAC supports students

A growing industry needs skilled people. SAMAC therefore runs a small annual bursary programme to build a pipeline of talent for the sector. The SAMAC bursary supports students of agriculture and horticulture, with a clear focus on crop production.

Fields mentioned in past calls include agronomy, crop protection, crop science, entomology, microbiology, plant pathology, plant physiology, plant science and soil science. Both undergraduate and postgraduate study can qualify. Postgraduate applicants usually submit a research proposal that relates to macadamias.

Past calls listed tuition fees, prescribed textbooks and student accommodation as the costs covered. Recipients are expected to work for a macadamia-related company, organisation or institution in South Africa after they finish their studies. In other words, the bursary is an investment in the sector, not a gift with no strings.

The macadamia sector is a useful one to study for. South Africa is one of the leading macadamia producers in the world, and orchards need agronomists, soil scientists and plant health specialists. Graduates who understand pests, diseases and crop management are in steady demand. SAMAC also runs a transformation programme, so students from farming backgrounds may find the industry increasingly open to them.

What to know before applying

SAMAC looks for academically strong students who show a real passion for agriculture and who have financial need. Preference goes to students whose families work in the macadamia industry. Applicants must also provide official proof of registration at a South African tertiary institution.

Because the programme is small, competition is stiff. Show clearly how your studies connect to macadamia production. A short, honest explanation of your goals will help your case.

Opening and closing dates change each year, and the details of what is covered may be updated. Check the official SAMAC website for the current call before you submit anything. Prepare your academic records and proof of registration early.