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The Royal Agricultural Society of Natal (RAS) has announced the appointment of Wayne Muller as the new general manager, effective July 2025.
Following an extensive recruitment process and thorough search, Muller has been selected to lead the society in fulfilling its mission and advancing the revised brand positioning.
According to Tim Nixon, RAS president, Muller brings a wealth of expertise and leadership in agricultural event management, ensuring the continued success of the society’s functions, shows, and exhibitions. He will be instrumental in organising, facilitating, and promoting agricultural and related commercial activities, whether through stand-alone events or simultaneous engagements that serve the industry’s evolving needs.
The RAS is based in the Pietermaritzburg area in KwaZulu-Natal and hosts South Africa’s oldest agricultural show, the Royal Agricultural Show.
Delivering meaningful opportunities
With a deep commitment to agriculture and community development, Muller will drive strategic initiatives that strengthen the Society’s presence and impact. His appointment marks a significant step in furthering the organisation’s purpose and delivering meaningful opportunities for stakeholders across the sector.
“We extend our warm congratulations to Wayne Muller and look forward to the innovative and dynamic leadership he will bring to the RAS”, Nixon said.
Muller (53) spent nearly two decades in the banking industry and then a decade and a half with TWK Agri. He lives on a farm, and has been enthusiastically involved with the RAS for some years, notably the fatstock section. He has also attended the fatstock judging course, which reflects his passion for the livestock industry.
Executing the RAS strategic plan
Muller’s first order of call would be to execute the new five-year RAS strategic plan that has been in the making for the past eight months or so, and to plan the next Royal Agricultural Show for 2026.
According to Angus Williamson, chairperson of the livestock section of the RAS, Muller is undoubtedly the right man for the job. “He came through the banking industry and then the agricultural cooperative environment. In addition, he has been involved with the RAS for many years as a steward on the ground – at grass roots level, so to speak.”
Muller succeeds Terry Strachan, who has been CEO of RAS for more than 25 years. – Izak Hofmeyr, Plaas Media
For further inquiries, please contact the Royal Agricultural Society at 033 345 6274 or admin@royalshow.co.za.
