- Date: 15–17 September 2025
- Location: Zimbali, The Capital, KwaZulu-Natal
- Theme: Cracking the Code, The Power of Data in Macadamias
MacDay 2025, hosted by Macadamias South Africa NPC (SAMAC) in partnership with Farmers Agricare and John Deere, brought together 492 delegates from across the value chain for a three-day technical and market-focused event at Zimbali, The Capital, KwaZulu-Natal. Topics included the latest research and global trade strategies that contributed to our shared vision of a thriving, sustainable macadamia sector.
MACDAY 2025
Highlights & Exhibitor Insights
Delegates enjoyed severable memorable moments at this year’s MacDay. From our innovative research presentations and stand-out exhibitions to cultural performances, a Women’s Morning, golf day and padel tournaments. A beach party hosted by Golden Macadamias added to this years excitement. This year’s host was seasoned television and radio presenter, Liezel van der Westuizen.
Research Showcase
Attendees commended the high-quality scientific topics presented by macadamia researchers. SAMAC’s Research exhibition stand received high praise, with delegates requesting detailed program summaries for future events. The SAMAC Field Guide was a widely requested resource.
Exhibitor Engagement
Booths were consistently active during breaks. Exhibitors like John Deere noted significant interest in their smart spray technologies, reflecting the industry’s growing emphasis on crop protection.
International Attendance
This year MacDay delegates included high profile international guests. These comprised of dignitaries from China and key contacts from India and the United States.
Market Insights
MacDay 2025 included two workshops hosted by the World Macadamia Organisation as well as a session on Day three dedicated to global export trends, market access trade challenges and new opportunities.
Imbhewu Marimba Band
The Imbhewu Marimba Band brought heart and harmony to MacDay’25, uniting delegates through the universal power of music. These talented musicians are special needs youth from Alta du Toit School and the wider community. SAMAC was proud to match every rand raised to help amplify their message of inclusion and hope at MacDay.
Technical Excellence Meets Strategic Trade
Key themes included:
- Innovative Thinking: From genomics and phenology to pest modelling and precision agriculture, sessions explored the role of data in industry growth.
- Global Market Focus: Experts unpacked challenges and opportunities across key export markets, including the role of the World Macadamia Organisation in expanding global demand.
- Farmer-Centric Science: Sessions covered pest and disease management, orchard rejuvenation, soil health, and irrigation. These topics provided growers with evidence-based solutions.
- Strategic Networking: Farmers, handlers, researchers, policymakers, and global partners connected to share insights and discuss strategies as we work toward building a resilient future for the macadamia industry.
MacDay in Numbers
Total Attendance
Inspiring Keynote by Rusty Labuschagne
One of the highlights of MacDay 2025 was an inspiring keynote from Rusty Labuschagne, one of the most remarkable and sought-after speakers on the professional circuit today.
Rusty is known for his sincerity and humility, and he shared his extraordinary true story of being wrongfully convicted in Zimbabwe and surviving years in some of the harshest prison conditions imaginable. Through faith, inner strength, resilience, and forgiveness, he transformed trauma into profound personal growth and purpose.
Rusty’s message resonated deeply across audiences, from CEOs to growers, reminding us that while challenges are inevitable, it is our character, perspective, and determination that carry us through. Rusty’s story is not only one of endurance, but of hope, compassion, leadership, and the ability to rise again, making his keynote a powerful and unforgettable experience for everyone that attended MacDay 2025.
Side Events & Delegate Experiences
Golf Tournament: 112 participants
Padel Tournament: 23 participants
Women’s Morning: 24 attendees
Delegate Shuttle Feedback: Over 350 delegates were transported with peak-hour flow managed efficiently and without delays.
Sustainable Development Goals
SAMAC proudly aligned MacDay 2025 with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting macadamias’ role in:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Enhancing agricultural productivity and preserving valuable farmland through sustainable, conscious practices.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Promoting lifelong learning through technical sessions and research showcases.
- SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth – Supporting global trade and local job creation.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production – Emphasising efficient irrigation and integrated pest management
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Equipping growers with tools for climate-smart agriculture.
Thank you for joining us
SAMAC extends sincere thanks to all speakers, exhibitors, service providers, and most of all, our delegates, who contributed to the success of MacDay 2025. This year’s event echoed our shared commitment to growth, innovation, and collaboration. Let’s continue working together to shape a resilient, profitable, and sustainable future for macadamias both in South Africa and across the globe.
SAMAC also extends a heartfelt thank you to all our Sponsors. MacDay 2025 was made possible through their generous support and commitment to the growth and sustainability of the South African macadamia industry. These contributions enabled us to deliver a world-class experience. View the Sponsorship List: MacDay 2025 Sponsors
