KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has appointed Zibusiso Dlamini as the new head of department for the department of agriculture and rural development.
Introducing the new accounting officer, MEC Super Zuma said Dlamini has been acting in the department since September last year while still doing his other duties of being a deputy director for agriculture development services.
Zuma said appointing Dlamini permanently to the post was going to bring about stability to the department and ensure that they fulfilled their mission of servicing farmers.
‘We believe in our own’
“The department is excited to welcome the newly appointed head of the department who is not a stranger to this department and has risen through the ranks.
“He started his career in this department as an extension officer and worked his way through various management levels. We see his appointment as confirmation of the talent that exists within the department,” he said.
Zuma said he trusted that Dlamini was going to bring stability and continue ensuring that farmers are at the centre of service delivery.
“We commit to working well with the new head of the department and undertake to provide all the necessary support to ensure he succeeds in this role,” he said.
Dlamini took the reins in the acting capacity following the departure of the former head of the department, Siza Sibande.
In accepting the appointment and addressing the staff, Dlamini committed to working around the clock to ensure that the department delivers on its mandate.
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‘I am here to serve’
“I am humbled by the faith that the leadership has shown in my abilities and committed to work with the MEC and the officials of the department to advance agricultural growth and development of the rural communities.
“In particular the most vulnerable groups in society that continue to experience food insecurity to ensure optimal participation and economic benefits in this crucial sector,” Dlamini said.
According to the department, Dlamini has substantive senior management experience in the department and has cultivated his career well serving in various technical and leadership positions within the sector.
These include serving as senior manager of macro-planning, chief director of agricultural services, chief director of rural enterprise and industry development, chief director of food security at the national department of agriculture, and chief executive officer for a Fresh Produce Market in the province.
The department said Dlamini holds a bachelor of science degree in agriculture from the University of Zululand, a master’s of environment and development in land information management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and a programme in project management (PPM) from the University of Pretoria.
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