Agri SA has today announced Johann Kotzé as the new chief executive officer taking over the reins from Christo van der Rheede.
Announcing Kotzé’s appointment, Agri SA president Jaco Minnaar said he was excited over the new phase ahead. Agri SA announced in February that their current CEO was stepping down and they were looking for a new head to lead the institution.
“Kotzé’s appointment comes at a critical point in South Africa’s trajectory. We need leadership across so many spheres of both the larger South African society and the agricultural industry.
“In the coming years, agriculture will have to navigate the combined impact of challenges such as climate change, deteriorating infrastructure, decaying service delivery, rural safety, shifts in global markets and policy uncertainty,” Minnaar said.
He added that Kotzé is a creative leader with a passion for farming and sustainability of the food system.
“He brings a wealth of experience as a former agricultural banker and a renowned leader in organised agriculture,” he said.
New sheriff in town
Kotzé is currently the chief executive of the South African Pig Producers Organisation (SAPPO) since 2017.
In responding to his appointment, Kotzé said he was up for the task. He will commence with his new duties on the on the 1 October.
“Looking ahead, we will have to challenge our thinking on what is realistically possible in the current business environment and position agriculture to leverage partnerships in the broader business and international community.
“Over the course of my career, I have learned that South African agriculture commands global respect for its efficient farming practices,” he said.
According to Kotzé, the agricultural community needed to match the natural hope that South African farmers embody with pragmatic solutions to the complex challenges being faced.
“In the current conditions, we should not be tempted by frustration but collectively facilitate innovative solutions. The ethos and integrity of our structures need to create the necessary conditions and a culture receptive to change,” he said.
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