Born in a Moravian missionary station in Goedverwacht in the Western Cape, Christo van der Rheede has cemented himself as a key player in South Africa’s agricultural landscape. However, his world today is far removed from the one he once lived as a former music teacher, staging musicals and operettas for children.
The Agri SA executive director tells Duncan Masiwa about his favourite childhood memories, downtime with family and his ultimate dream for the agriculture sector.
So, this time around we won’t be asking you about policy or transformation matters. We know you have a great sense of humour, so what is the one thing you will never be caught wearing?
My Speedo, that is why I go to gym afterwards! 😊
You’re a big family man, often sharing pictures of the many special moments with them as well as your friends…
I am married to a beautiful wife, Merlyn, and have two grown-up children, Ryan and Lucia. My son plays trombone for the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and my daughter is an assistant lecturer at the University of the Western Cape.
For downtime, I love to spend time on the West Coast, braaiing fish and making music. Or I go to the gym, do park runs and play a round of golf with friends whenever they invite me.
You grew up in Goedverwacht linked with Genadendal, the oldest Moravian mission village in Africa, featuring church buildings and a school that dates back to 1738. What are some of your favourite childhood memories there?
Playing after school with my friends, mountain climbing and attending the children’s festival at church.
Agriculture never sleeps, and I presume it’s the same for someone in a high-ranking position at Agri SA too. How do you start your mornings?
Reading my newspapers early morning online.
You’re a trained music educator and former principal. What did you love most about teaching music?
Staging musicals and operetta was great fun. Some of the children who were part of these musicals still maintain contact with me in their adult life.
A man that has a love for music surely has a theme song too. What is the one song that describes you best?
“On the street where you live” by [American singer and actor] Dean Martin. [The song was featured in the 1956 Broadway musical My Fair Lady.]
You’ve managed to gain great admiration from agricultural organisations and farmers alike. That is no easy feat considering the two distinct agricultural worlds that still exist in South Africa. What’s been your secret to success?
I see myself as a servant leader. And providing the best service possible is one of the key principles I live by. I dream about a united, growing and inclusive agriculture sector that can compete with the best in the world, but that cares for the environment and for people.
What Is the one thing you can’t live without?
My cell phone.
And your all-time favourite quote?
Cast your bread on the water and it will return tenfold!
This is based on Ecclesiastes 11:1. The principle is that if you invest your “bread” or “grain” wisely, in a broad enough market, you will garner a return. Another view is that the instruction to “cast your bread upon the waters” is a metaphor for being generous, even if a return seems unlikely.
ALSO READ: Christo van der Rheede, a hero on the Covid-19 front line
Get Stories of Change: Inspirational stories from the people that feed Mzansi.
