Grain SA appoints Mabuza to lead farmer development

Grain SA announced the appointment of Sibusiso Mabuza as the new chief executive officer of Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP), the organisation’s dedicated farmer development arm.

Chief executive officer of Grain SA, Dr Tobias Doyer, said that with over 20 years of leadership across agriculture, finance, and infrastructure development, Mabuza is poised to lead PGP into its most dynamic chapter yet, scaling transformation, empowering black grain producers, and securing food systems for future generations.

“The appointment of Sibusiso Mabuza signals a powerful new phase for PGP. He is a results-driven leader with the proven ability to raise capital, build partnerships, and deliver scalable development programmes. His track record aligns strongly with our mission to drive inclusive growth, food security, and economic resilience,” Doyer said in a statement.

Driving inclusive growth in grain

Meanwhile, Mabuza said they are not just developing farmers, they are building a future of dignified participation, economic growth, and inclusive prosperity.

“The PGP has a solid foundation. Now, we’re ready to grow our footprint, sharpen our strategy, and deepen our partnerships. My vision is clear: to turn potential into prosperity and participation into power,” he said.

Mabuza said professionally, the role represents an opportunity to champion transformative growth in South Africa’s grain industry.

“Our agricultural heritage is rich and resilient. Now, it’s time to ensure that this legacy extends to emerging black farmers so they are not only part of the conversation but key players in the industry,” he said.

According to Mabuza, transformation is not just about representation; it is about access, participation, and influence. “PGP must ensure emerging farmers are integrated into decisions that shape the grain industry. From policy to profitability, they must have a voice.”

Mabuza emphasised that smallholder and developing farmers are not marginal participants; they are central to solving South Africa’s food security crisis and rural economic challenges.

“With proper integration into value chains, these farmers can drive job creation, boost food self-sufficiency, and ignite growth in neglected rural areas. We must give them access to funding, modern tools, and markets, so they can move from surviving to thriving.

“To our farmers, you are the heartbeat of South Africa’s grain sector. Your resilience inspires us. We stand beside you to equip, support, and celebrate your journey. Together, we are building a legacy.”

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Committed to innovation and unity

Mabuza added that he is committed to building on the strong foundation laid by his predecessors while introducing innovation to enhance efficiency and scalability.

His strategic priorities include:

Leveraging digital tools to improve farmer support and decision-making.
Expanding blended financing instruments with partners like PepsiCo, Sacta, and Kgodiso.
Strengthening government alignment to ensure practical, farmer-centric policies.
Driving visibility and advocacy for black farmers in all spaces of influence.

“This moment calls for urgency, creativity, and courage. The challenges are real climate change, access to finance, and market exclusion, but so is the opportunity. Through unity and innovation, we will meet it head-on,” he said.

Grain SA stated that PGP’s development model is built on holistic support offering mentorship, market access, financing assistance, and technical training. Its presence spans eight provinces, serving both food-insecure households and large-scale developing farms.

“In 2023/24, PGP supported the planting of 23 611 hectares and the harvesting of over 37 000 tons of grain. By 2025/26, that figure is projected to exceed 79 000 tons,” the statement said.