The recent Agbiz Congress addressed the critical growth needed in the agricultural sector to ensure economic stimulation and much-needed job creation.
Held in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, the event brought together leaders from across South Africa’s agricultural value chains under the theme “Embracing collaboration”.
The congress was officially opened by Agbiz deputy chairperson Dr Lukeshni Chetty, followed by discussions focused on the future competitiveness and sustainability of South African agriculture.
Setting the tone for the congress, chief executive officer of Agbiz, Theo Boshoff, highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
Reflections on the state of SA agriculture
Delegates heard keynote addresses from Mcebisi Jonas of the presidency on geopolitics, economics and South Africa’s position in a changing global environment, and statistician-general Risenga Maluleke, who reflected on the evolving structure of the country’s economy and demographics.
The programme also featured discussions on structural reforms and business-government partnerships, facilitated by Tanya Cohen of the National Planning Commission, with contributions from leading voices representing business and agricultural policy.
Afternoon sessions focused on practical interventions required to sustain agricultural growth. These included presentations by Mooketsa Ramasodi, director-general of the department of agriculture; Dr Hubert Joynt of Infrastructure South Africa on rural road development; and advocate Michelle Phillips of Transnet on progress in improving rail and port logistics efficiency.
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Parallel sessions explored critical topics including the future of biosecurity in South Africa, the catalytic role of finance in agricultural development, and the Agbiz Student Case Competition, which showcased innovative thinking from university students tackling real-world agricultural challenges.
Delegates were addressed by agriculture minister John Steenhuisen, who shared reflections on the agricultural sector and its role in South Africa’s growth and development.
Collaboration between govt and agribusiness
Steenhuisen said he believes the government’s primary role is actually much simpler than it sometimes pretends.
“Our job is to create an enabling environment. Our job is to remove blockages, open markets, protect the production base through strong biosecurity systems, and ensure predictable rules and functioning institutions.
“I believe we are now entering a new phase in South African agriculture, a phase where the conversation is shifting from survival towards expansion and value creation. There are several areas where I believe government and agribusiness can work together far more aggressively than we currently are,” he said.
Sean Walsh, former managing director of Kaap Agri, was honoured for his outstanding contribution to agribusiness and his people-centred leadership approach.
Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo said they had an extraordinary period of deep reflections on geopolitics, trade, structural reforms and infrastructure issues.
“These are aspects that impact South Africa’s agriculture and agribusinesses, and we were able to share views with policymakers and business leaders aimed at strengthening collaboration and growth in the sector.
“We are encouraged by the deep participation and devotion of many of the stakeholders who joined us here in Gqeberha for these conversations. The goal is to ensure that agriculture continues to grow and create jobs. This is a view that all agribusinesses share, and government committed to a more ambitious and deeper collaboration with agribusinesses and organised agriculture,” he said.
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