3 Minutes with Ivor Price

Food for Mzansi co-founder and co-author of For the love of the land

If you were given R30 million to invest in agriculture, either in new or existing farming activities or in the agriculture value chain, how would you spend it?

I often daydream about farming, and perhaps one day I’ll own my own land. But I’d rather invest that kind of money in agriculture education in previously disadvantaged communities. I’d like to play a part in teaching kids to cultivate careers in the sector, not just crops.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

My late grandfather taught me to be a warrior for inclusivity. He used to say, “Inclusion elevates all.” Now I spend my days building a rich tapestry that resembles the beautifully diverse country I’d like to live in.

If you were given carte blanche to effect one major change in South Africa tomorrow, how would you use this power?

I’d reform politics to give power back to the people. Parties control the spaces of power, and it has become synonymous with corruption. We need to strengthen participative democracy.

What is the one thing the COVID-19 lockdown, taught you not to take for granted?

To love, listen, care, respect and help. The pandemic also taught me about the value of a smile. I think differently about the power of human contact; of being in service to others.

What is your favourite South African dish?

Nothing comes close to my mother’s lamb stew with green beans. It’s a simple yet tasty bredie that reminds me of home, and the struggles we have overcome.