Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
The 2026 Agbiz congress opened strongly in Gqeberha, bringing together leaders from across South Africa’s agricultural value chains under the theme “Embracing collaboration”.
The congress was officially opened by Dr Lukeshni Chetty, Agbiz deputy chairperson, while Theo Boshoff, chief executive officer of Agbiz, set the tone by emphasising the importance of collaboration in addressing both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Mcebisi Jonas, representative of the presidency, and Risenga Maluleke, statistician-general of South Africa, who unpacked global economic shifts and the country’s evolving economic structure.
Further sessions featured Mooketsa Ramasodi, director-general of the Department of Agriculture, Dr Hubert Joynt of Infrastructure South Africa, and Adv Michelle Phillips of Transnet, focussing on infrastructure, logistics, and practical interventions needed to sustain agricultural growth.
Student competition showcases emerging talent
A key highlight of the programme was the Agbiz Student Case Competition, sponsored by Netafim and facilitated by Prof Johan van Rooyen, former president of the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA), now serving as councillor to IFAMA, and Dr Melissa van der Merwe, president of the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa, secretary of the Young Board of IFAMA, and member of the International Food and Agribusiness Management Review (IFAMR) Editorial Advisory Board.
The competition challenged students to develop practical solutions for South Africa’s wheat value chain and present their recommendations to industry judges.
After a competitive round of presentations, the following awards were announced:
- Best team presentation, Group 2: Katlego Ledwaba, Ona Ndelu, Mia Louw, and Ayanda Mbotho.
- Runner-up best presentation, Group 4: Mazwi Makhaye, Nwabisa Mrwebi, Nicola Koegelenberg, and Maritz Grobler.
- Best team player award: Ruben Fourie
- Best speaker award: Guillaume Oberholster
Students Mia Louw and Ona Ndelu were also recognised for their speaking abilities.
Recognition for leadership and industry impact
Speaking at the congress, Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz chief economist, said the discussions reflected strong alignment between government and industry. “The goal is to ensure that agriculture continues to grow and create jobs … government is committed to a more ambitious and deeper collaboration,” he said.
The congress concluded with the presentation of honorary awards to Justin Chadwick, former chief executive officer of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa, and Sean Walsh, former managing director of Kaap Agri, in recognition of their contributions to agribusiness.
Agbiz said the congress, including the student competition, highlighted both the importance of collaboration and the role of emerging leaders in shaping the sector’s future. – Nikilene Steenkamp, Plaas Media
