South Africa’s agricultural sector says the country has lost a giant with the passing of Nomvula Xaba, transformation manager at Potatoes SA.
Xaba’s untimely death on Monday, 29 May, has been met with shock by the agricultural sector which fondly describes her as a strong voice who made a significant contribution to the growth of the industry and transformation.
Xaba joined Potatoes SA on 01 June 2011 to give structure to the transformation unit. During her almost 12 years with the organisation, she accomplished the establishment and phenomenal expansion of the transformation programmes.
Under her leadership, the key deliverables of enterprise development, farm-based training, small-grower development, and the tertiary skills development pipeline flourished.
A mentor and friend
Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes SA, said that Xaba’s death had left a void in their hearts that can never be filled.
“We are deeply saddened to bid her farewell. She was not just an excellent professional, but also a wonderful human being. Her smile, laughter and sense of humour were infectious and always lifted our spirits,” he said.
Jacobs also described her as a mentor who was always willing to share her knowledge and uplift those around her.
“One of her major achievements was in changing the model of the enterprise development programme, in changing the focus to expanding hectares of viable potato producers who have the potential of growing into commercial farmers.
“Through partnerships and mentorships, farmers in the programme achieved astonishing yields of up to 65 tonnes per hectare,” Jacobs said.
Mari Munnick, operations officer at Potatoes SA, echoed the loss to the industry. “Nomvula will be remembered for the resilient and much-respected woman [she was]. Thank you for the season you spent in my life. You left a legacy in me,” Munnick said.
Tributes pour in
Leona Archary, CEO of the African Development Agency, also described Xaba’s death as a loss to the agricultural sector.
“Nomvula became an integral part of the team working on the Blouberg Agri hub, funded by De Beers and other partners. Her expertise will be sorely missed as we implement this project. May her soul rest in peace and may God comfort and strengthen her family and the PSA team.”
Lukhanyo Nkombisa, general manager at the Citrus Growers Association’s Grower Development Company said, “Eish! Good night my friend and colleague. Your writings on the transformation chapter of the agriculture sector and development of black producers will be on the wall of remembrance. Good night, friend.”
Zibusiso Dlamini, deputy director-general at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said, “What a loss to the entire country of this capable leader and champion. Rest in eternal peace, my sister, and condolences to your family and loved ones.”
Zama Xalisa, non-executive director at the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market and former CEO of the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), is also saddened by Xaba’s death. “May your soul rest in peace, Nomvula. You have left your mark in the potato industry and transformation at large.”
Other career highlights
Xaba relished leading the transformation drive within the industry by belonging to the Commodity Projects Allocation Committee (CPAC) in the Western Cape and the Potato Industry Development Trust Transformation Advisory Committee (PTAC).
Through her unique networking skills, she built industry relationships through her engagements with various role players,
In presenting the Transformation Symposiums, Xaba brought this prestigious industry event to new heights with the introduction of the first Enterprise Development Farmer of the Year awards in 2018. She made a significant contribution to the growth of the industry, and her legacy will continue to inspire and guide others in the field.
Xaba’s funeral takes place on Saturday, 03 June, at the Clermont Assembly of God church in KwaZulu-Natal. Her body will be laid to rest at the Mariannhill Monastery Cemetery.
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