The minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisen, recently announced the appointment of ten new members to the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC). These members will serve a four-year term, in line with the NAMC’s mandate to advise the minister on agricultural marketing issues and to promote fair market participation. They will also support the growth and transformation of South Africa’s agricultural sector.
In a media statement, minister Steenhuisen described the appointments as an important step towards advancing the NAMC’s mission. He expressed confidence that the council’s diverse expertise will help accelerate transformation, expand market access, and promote sustainable growth across the agricultural sector for the benefit of all citizens.
Prof André Jooste, the newly appointed chairperson, noted that several of the incoming council members have longstanding involvement in agricultural associations, giving them strong insight into the sector’s dynamics. Others bring significant corporate leadership experience and wide networks across both public and private spheres. Together, this combination of backgrounds equips the new council with a notably diverse and comprehensive range of expertise.
According to Prof Jooste, the minister has assembled a balanced council with comprehensive skills, expertise, and experience.
The council consists of the following members:
Prof Andre Jooste (chairperson)
Prof Jooste has over 24 years of wide-ranging experience in the agricultural sector. His academic background includes serving as an associate professor and chairing the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State.
During his tenure at the NAMC, he led the establishment of the Markets and Economic Research Centre (Merc), transforming it into a respected policy advisory institution both locally and internationally.
As chief executive officer of Potatoes SA, he guided the organisation’s strategic direction and strengthened relationships across the public and private sectors. He joined Stellenbosch University as a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics on 1 March 2021.
In addition to his academic and leadership roles, Prof Jooste serves on several agricultural councils and government committees, and has chaired the Maize and Wheat Forums since 2024.
Dr Sharon Thembi Xaba (vice-chairperson)
Dr Xaba is a highly accomplished South African executive, agricultural economist, and development finance expert with 20 years of experience in agriculture, agribusiness development, and investment promotion.
She is executive director of OneFarm Impact, a funding vehicle that facilitates collaboration and partnership opportunities to drive transformation within Africa’s agriculture sector.
She is a former managing director of Earth Africa, former CEO of the Deciduous Fruit Development Chamber, and served on the boards of the Joburg Fresh Produce Market, Gibela Business Incubator, and as a ministerial trustee for the Winter Cereal Trust.
Dr Kathleen Mary Hurly
Dr Hurly spent 15 years at the South African Canegrowers Association (SA Canegrowers), most recently serving as a corporate executive before her retirement from the organisation in early 2021. She has been an active board member of Kwanalu, focussing on collaborative efforts across different agricultural commodities.
She is known for her work in the Women and Youth in Rural Entrepreneurship (Wyre) programme, where she focussed on empowering rural farmers and progress through mentoring and coaching.
Dr Bonile Simon Jack-Pama
Dr Jack-Pama is a highly experienced agricultural economist, business strategist, and company director with over 30 years’ experience in the agricultural sector, civil service, and research. He has served as the chairperson of Milk South Africa (Milk SA), the Buhle Farmers Academy, Landbank, SABS Holdings (Pty) Ltd, and the Joburg Fresh Produce Market.
Dr Muhammad Kadwa
Dr Kadwa is a prominent agricultural economist and industrial engineer who serves as the industrial affairs manager at the SA Canegrowers. He is also the president of the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association (Sasta), having been elected to the role in November 2022.
As the industrial affairs manager at SA Canegrowers since 2018, he focusses on economic research, industry sustainability, and representing the interests of sugarcane growers. He has been a member of the Sasta council since 2016 and was one of the youngest individuals in the organisation’s almost 100-year history to be elected president.
Hlaleleni Jenetha Mahlangu
Mahlangu is a governance expert. She holds the position of director in the Department of Agriculture. She has represented South Africa as a delegate at international forums, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
Ramatsimela Jacqueline Maisela
Maisela is an agricultural development specialist, strategist, and governance expert with extensive experience in the public sector, particularly in Limpopo. She is an independent board director for Fruit SA and has previously served as the head of the Department of Agriculture in Limpopo.
Happy Tlhame Mohane
Mohane is an agricultural expert, agribusiness specialist, and professional in land reform and development. He was employed as a senior manager at the NAMC from April 2006 to October 2013, where he managed the agribusiness development division. He has served as the managing director of Trade Afrika Investments.
He was a beneficiary in the Gauteng Province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s land reform initiative. His expertise spans natural resources management, agribusiness development and rural development.
Prof Khathutshelo Nephawe
Prof Nephawe is an agricultural scientist and academic leader. He is currently head of the Animal Science Department and a research professor at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). He is widely recognised for his expertise in animal breeding and genetics, particularly in improving livestock productivity and resilience within smallholder farming systems.
He is chairperson of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and serves on the board of Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP). He is also member of the African Technology and Innovation Incubators Advisory Committee (ATIIAC) for the African Union.
Unati Speirs
Speirs is an agricultural scientist, businesswoman, and board director with 20 years’ experience in the sector. She is widely recognised for her role as the first young, black female board director of Hortgro, South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry body.
Acknowledging leadership and strengthening governance
The minister called on the newly appointed board members to lead by example, upholding the highest standards of integrity and demonstrating a clear understanding of their fiduciary responsibilities. He also expressed his appreciation to the outgoing council for their dedication and the significant role they played in strengthening the country’s agricultural marketing framework and advancing the organisation’s goals.
NAMC chief executive officer, Dr Simphiwe Ngqangweni, added that the minister’s appointments are reinforcing good governance within the organisation. He extended his gratitude to the minister and warmly congratulated each new council member, noting that he looks forward to working with them to advance NAMC’s mission of delivering marketing advisory services to key stakeholders and supporting a dynamic and resilient agricultural marketing system in South Africa. – Izak Hofmeyr, Plaas Media
