National Agricultural Marketing Council Welcomes Newly Appointed Council Members

On 20 June, the NAMC held an induction for its the newly appointed Council. The induction comes after the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Senzeni Zokwana appointed 10 new members to the Council after the previous board term expired. In his maiden speech Professor P.K. Chauke as Chairman of the board, noted the confidence expressed by the Minister on his appointment to lead the NAMC. ‘Mine is not to dictate but to act and decide collectively as Council in the best interest of the sector and the NAMC’ he said. He applauded the work done by the previous board and looked to build on it.

Professor P.K Chauke is Head of Department – Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness at the University of Venda. He is deputized by Harry Prinsloo from the National Wool Growers Association who is also a Chairman of the Commodity Chamber and Commercial Agriculture Policy Committee at AgriSA. The new NAMC board consists of agribusiness specialists and entrepreneurs namely; Sindile Faku, Fezeka Mkile, Happy Mohane, Boikanyo Mokgatle, Nonie Mokose, Diale Rangaka, Gerhard Schutte and Zandile Wapi (see below profiles). Most of these members have served at various industry boards bringing along high-level experience and expertise to the NAMC said Acting CEO Zama Xalisa. He welcomed the new board on behalf of management and wished them the best in their new roles.

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Issued By: NAMC. Contact: Majara Monamodi
Tel: 012 341 1115, Cell: 076 865 4937, Email: majara@namc.co.za

Back row (left to right): Mr. Happy Mohane, Mr. Zama Xalisa (Acting CEO), Mr. Boikanyo Mokgatle, Ms. Fezeka Mkile, Mr. Zandisile Wapi, Mr. Diale Rangaka, Mr. Gerhard Schutte.
Front row (left to right): Mr. Sindile Faku, Mr. Harry Prinsloo (Deputy Chair), Prof. P.K. Chauke, Ms Nonie Mokose

PROF PHINEAS KHAZAMULA CHAUKE, PHD
CHAIRPERSON: NAMC

Education Background: PhD Agriculture Economics (University of Venda), Masters in Agricultural Economics (University of Pretoria), Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics (University of Fort Hare), Higher Education Diploma (University of Fort Hare)

Professional Profile: Professor Chauke, affectionately known as P.K, is the Head of Department: Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness – University of Venda (Univen). His professional career spans a number of years, from being a development officer for the former Gazankulu homeland Department of Agriculture, lecturer at Hoxani College of Education in Mpumalanga, senior teacher at Kheto Nxumalo Agricultural High School, principal of Masiza High School in the Vhembe district, senior Lecturer and professor at the University of Venda School of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness. He served as Chief examiner for the subject: Agricultural Science at the national and provincial level from 1990 to 2012. In 2013, Prof PK led a team that organised the National Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA) conference and participated in writing the book titled “AEASA in Practicia”, that articulates on the work of practicing agricultural economists in the public and private sectors.

Research Profile: Prof PK is a seasoned researcher who has conducted studies provincially, nationally and internationally. At the provincial level, he conducted a number of studies on the emerging farming sector, especially smallholder cooperatives; at the national level Prof Chauke conducted various studies, especially with a focus on land claims as a consultant for the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR): Commissions on Restitution of Land Rights (CRLR). He recently completed massive land claim studies for Kwazulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The quality of outputs emanating from these studies have attracted substantial accolades from both the DRDLR and CRLR. At the International level, Prof PK conducted a comprehensive assessment of the impact of climate change on the South African smallholder farming sector, commissioned by FARNPAN. Presently Prof PK is a member of the Vhembe and Sekhukhune Land Development tribunals, MEC Advisory Council, Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Land Bank Chair for Univen. In addition, he has supervised in excess of 20 and promoted not less than 5 PhD students. He thus brings along an in-depth knowledge and skills in the agricultural economics and research fraternities.

HARRY PRINSLOO
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: NAMC

Education Background: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (University of Free State).

Wool Industry: A former Chairman of National Wool Growers Association [NWGA] and member of cape wools board

Board member at Wool Testing Bureau,

Former Chairman of the Producers working group at the International wool and textile organization [IWTO]

Agri SA: Chairman of the Commodity chamber and Commercial Agriculture Policy Committee

Mr Prinsloo is a commercial farmer for almost 35 years and has been involved in Organized Agriculture for the last 27 years in his capacity as a member of the Wool Growers Association. He has participated in international code of good practices for sheep, production advisory services to farmers, wool promotion activities and was instrumental in advising government on matters of foot and mouth disease, rift valley fever and vaccines availability.

In his role as the Chairman of the Producers Grouping at IWTO he dedicated much of his work to promote SA wool at international level.

As Chairman of the NWGA, he oversaw the body’s training and development program in communal areas of Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State. During his tenure, he participated in the support plan for developing communal farmers in Eastern Cape to grow their income from wool to a record income amount of R137 billion.

He is married to Adre and has three children.

SINDILE SID FAKU
COUNCIL MEMBER

Board: Member and Chair of HR Committee Western Cape Gambling Board, Non-Executive Director and Shareholder Stonevest Property Group, Audit Committee Chairman -Department of Human Settlements, Member – Audit and Risk Committee Eastern Cape Education, Chairman of Dakhile Property

Educational Background: Master of Science (Jackson State University), Bachelor of Arts Honours Education (UKZN), Bachelor of Arts (Walter Sisulu University), Leadership in Local Government (Thailand), Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Governance (IOD)

Mr. Faku has occupied various executive, management and leadership positions in both public and private sector. His expertise is in leadership development, strategic HR management and development, transformation projects, corporate governance, real estate management and investments.

Before venturing into the corporate world, Mr. Faku began his career as an agriculture lecturer at the Maluti College of Education (1991) and later on moved to Eskom. While at the power utility, he was Group Human Resources Development Manager and then later was Business Services Manager. Both these roles opened a channel to serve as an HR Committee member at various companies (ICASA, EAAB, PikitUp, Magalies Water, Metro-bus, Sansa, NDA), a venture in Real Estate and later becoming a non-executive at the Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Faku has a diversified property portfolio and attained a Real Estate NQF Qualification, and Housing Finance Course (Wits Business School). He is an accredited assessor, moderator, verifier and a property trainer. In 2009, he was voted the ‘Property Mover and Shaker’ of the year. He also serves in various Audit and Risk Committees, the most notable being the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Department of Human Settlements.

FEZEKA MKILE
COUNCIL MEMBER

Board: Director – ECDRA, Director Fezz Business Enterprises and Suppliers, Director Khanyisa Children’s Home, Director at Kangela Citrus Farm, Independent Trustee at Cookhouse Trust.

Educational Background: Bachelor of Administration (University of Durban Westville), Diploma Office Management (Infotech College). Introduction to Corporate Governance and Board Effectiveness (Institute of Directors Southern Africa), Certificate of Competence in Leadership and Team Building (Umbumbo Research and Development),

Ms Mkile is a Managing Director: Fezz Enterprises and a registered member of the Institute of Board of Directors of South Africa. She has been involved in community and agribusiness development initiatives in Eastern Cape. Her involved in these initiatives has not gone unnoticed. She was the winner of the SAB Innovation Award (2011) and first runner up in Top Entrepreneur Commercial Female Farmer (2012). Fezeka’s role was also acknowledged by the former Premier of the Eastern Cape Noxolo Kiviet in her Province State of the Nation address as a brand ambassador.

Her passion for agriculture was steered by working for an NPO OR Tambo Farmers Association – funded by the Swedish Cooperative Centre as a CEO. The project supported small scale farmers around OR Tambo District. Among other community projects she helped establish is the Khanyisa Children’s Home (for the abandoned, orphaned, HIV/AIDS children) where she serves as one of the Board of Directors.

Throughout her business ventures, Fezeka acquired skills in corporate governance, strategic planning, leadership and entrepreneurial skills. These acquired skills helped her at ECRDA Board where she is the Deputy Chairperson of the Board and heads its Finance and Investment Committee portfolio. She also a Trustee and Chairperson of the Governing Council of one of the top 100 schools in South Africa – Khanyisa High School.

HAPPY MOHANE
COUNCIL MEMBER

Board: Member of Orange River Cellars (ORC); Orange River Tankers (ORT); South African Grain Information Service (SAGIS); and Grain Farmer Development Association (GFADA); Trustee of Sorghum Trust; Member of the Audit Committee of the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (Free State).

Educational Background: Masters in Commerce Economics (University of Natal), Masters Science Agricultural Economics (University of Pretoria), Bachelor of Science Honours Degree Agricultural Economics (University of Pretoria), Bachelor of Science Agriculture (University of North West).

Mr Mohane is a founder and Managing Director of Trade Afrika Investment; which is a South African based company that invests in various economic sectors. Prior to establishing his own company, he was employed as a Senior Manager for Agribusiness Development at the National Agricultural Marketing Council. While at the NAMC, Mr Mohane was instrumental in facilitating development schemes such as the Vineyard Development Scheme, Red Meat Development Scheme (now operating as the National Red Meat Development Programme) and business linkages like the Supply Chain Logistics Programme which was funded by the Flemish government.

Prior to joining the NAMC, he was employed as a Research Specialist at ECI Africa, and was responsible for coordinating the operations of two Joint Regional Trade projects in Angola and Namibia. He brings along vast knowledge in enterprise development; economic development, agriculture, economic analysis, economic infrastructure, business linkages, monitoring and evaluation and development finance.

Mr Mohane is also a full-time farmer in the Gauteng Province.

BOIKANYO MOKGATLE
COUNCIL MEMBER

Boards & Committees: Chair of Board of Directors South African Grain Laboratory; Commissioner at International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC); Member of RSA Steel Committee; Trustee at the Winter Cereal Trust Board; Industry representative at the International Grains Council (IGC), International Association of Operatives Millers and Global Millers Symposiums; Industry representative at various structures including DAFF CEO Forum, DTI Industry Forum, Wheat and Maize Forum, National Agricultural Research Forum, Crop Estimates Liaison Committee, Agricultural Trade Forum, JSE Advisory Committee, S&DE Committee, Crop Estimate Liaison Committee, etc.

Education Background: Bachelor of Agricultural Economics (University of Fort Hare), Bachelor of Agricultural Economics Honours (Fort Hare University).

Experience/ Knowledge: Mr Mokgatle started his career at the erstwhile Agricultural Development Cooperation (AGRICOR) in 1992 and was involved in a policy advisory environment until 1996. He has since then held various senior positions at national government departments including Trade and Industry and Agriculture. He also worked at the Board on Tariffs & Trade now called International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) responsible for Tariff Investigations Unit. He participated in various trade and policy delegations including the SA-EU Joint Cooperation Council (TDCA), European Free Trade Agreement Negotiations (EFTA), SACU Trade & Liaison Committee, etc.

Mr Mokgatle is an Executive Director at National Chamber of Milling and brings along impeccable industry credentials.

NONIE MOKOSE
COUNCIL MEMBER

Board: Member – Potatoes SA, Chairperson – Potatoes SA Transformation Committee and Developing Farmer Association, Member – AFASA, Director – African Women Entrepreneurs Network

Education and background: Bachelor of Nutritional Food Sciences: Community Nutrition (Cornell University, Ithaca – New York), MacDonald Global Certificate Diploma, current studying towards a Master of Agriculture at University of Pretoria.

Ms Mokose is a Director at Agri Mega Enterprises and has been involved with commercial off-takes through facilitating, supporting and developing small farmer enterprises and their commercialization.

Nonie was part of a team that included John Deere that developed a strategy to address sustainable smallholder to commercial farmer development. The strategy is being implemented in Zambia and other sub-Saharan countries including South Africa. Apart from these, in 2009 Nonie was winner of the Female Producer of the Year Commercial, Producer National Award and the Gauteng Female Agricultural Entrepreneur of the Year.

Nonie is a professional in Food, Agricultural and Agro-processing industries, with a track record of driving development, growth and transformation. Her focus is in primary agriculture and has been involved in planting potatoes commercially. Nonie is also strongly involved in advocacy and implementing transformation in both the potato sector as well as in the broader agriculture.

DIALE RANGAKA
COUNCIL MEMBER

Boards: Chairman of Kopanong Hospital Board, Chairperson of the African Vintners Alliance Cooperative, Board Membership (Wines of South Africa, South African Wine Industry Trust), Member (National English Literary Museum Council, HSPCSA Subcommittee Environment Health Officers Profession, KoelenhofKelders Co-op, Cape Winelands District Municipality), Chairman of Bright and Futures Foundation.

Educational Background: Master of Arts (Sussex), Masters in Education (Wits) Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts Honours (University of Limpopo), Management Development Programme (University of Stellenbosch)

Prof Rangaka is the founder of Mhudi Wines one of the few black wine brands in the country with export footprint in international markets and local retail supply. He was a Professor Dean of Education as well as Campus Principal University of Johannesburg. A former lecturer at the University of the North-West, his record in the academic fraternity spans over 39 years starting early as 1977. He began as a Junior Lecturer in Literary Studies at the University of Limpopo.

GERHARDUS SCHUTTE
COUNCIL MEMBER

Board: Member of CEO’s Forum, Member of National Agricultural Research Forum, Trustee (Meat Industry Trust, Red Meat Research and Development Trust, Animal Improvement Trust), Manager – National Stock Theft Prevention Forum, Chairman – Planning Committee Beef and Small Stock of Red Meat Research and Development,

Educational Background: Master in Agriculture, Baccalaureus Honours in Agriculture Animal Nutrition, Bachelor of Science Agriculture.

Mr Schutte is a Chief Executive Officer Red Meat Producers Organisation and was honoured with the President’s Award by the South African Society of Animal Science for contributing to the delivery of Animal Science and the Livestock.

In the 26 years of experience at RPO, Mr Schutte has worked with the following meat industries; red meat, pork, game ranching and feedlot in which he provided secretariat support. He has been invited to lecture on commercial red meat production internationally. He is a part time commercial beef farmer and has also ventured into business in the horticulture industry.

ZANDISILE WAPI
COUNCIL MEMBER

Board: Trustee – Winter Cereal Trust

Educational Background: Master Degree in Sustainable Agriculture University of Free State, B-Tech Agricultural Management (UNISA), Diploma in Agriculture Fort Cox College.

Mr Wapi is a Manager New Business Development at RCL Foods responsible for identifying sources for new markets. He completed a course on Making Markets Work for Competitive Enterprises (Springfield Centre) based on compliance to the competition Act and consumer Protection. He was a recipient of the Impumelelo Innovation Award.

In 2005, Zandisile was elevated to Manager Training and Development at the National Woolgrowers Association where he administered and monitored projects on their impact to rural livelihoods. He also served at Mpofu Training Centre as a Wool and Sheep Instructor and later serving as Production Adviser at the National Woolgrowers Association. He began his career as a Marketing Officer for the former Ciskei Marketing Board where he was responsible for organizing markets for rural farmers agricultural products.