Former Agri SA boss Christo van der Rheede has been appointed as an adjunct professor at the University of the Free State (UFS) business school following his departure from organised agriculture last month.
The dean of the faculty of economic and management sciences, Prof Philippe Burger, said Van der Rheede was bringing a wealth of experience and strong networks from the agricultural sector which were going to be instrumental for the university.
A win for the UFS
He said networking between the university and the industry was going to be Van der Rheede’s key focus areas in the new position that he has now taken over.
“The UFS boasts world-class experts who generate research that is well suited for practical application,” he said.
Burger said although his involvement will be part-time, the university believes that Van der Rheede’s contribution will be invaluable to both the university and the industry.
“Van der Rheede’s focus on food security, nutritious and affordable food, and sound policy aligns with our vision and strategy to, among others, promote and practise sustainability, do innovative and impactful research, and participate in social justice.”
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A giant in education and agriculture
“The UFS is eager to welcome Christo van der Rheede to our institution and is looking forward to working with and learning from him,” he said.
Van der Rheede has since served in various education, cultural, business, and agricultural positions. Among others, he served on the board of Business Unity South Africa, was appointed by the minister of higher education as the chairperson of AgriSETA, and represented the agricultural sector on the National Human Resources Council.
The well-respected agriculturist is convinced that policy can and should be applied positively in all spheres of life, especially in the educational and agricultural sectors.
Focus on food security
“I am in support of providing each citizen with affordable, nutritious, healthy, and sustainable food all our policies should be measured against these outcomes.
“Food security is at the core of a peaceful and prosperous country. It is not possible to have progress and peace without access to food. A hungry nation is a desperate and dangerous nation,” he said.
According to Van der Rheede, he plans to use his new position at the UFS to facilitate research projects pertaining to policy and food security, food nutrition and entrepreneurship.
“The university is well positioned to provide data-driven solutions for the challenge we are experiencing in South Africa,” he said.
He served Agri SA for eight years as deputy chief executive and ultimately led the institution until his retirement recently. He leaves a legacy characterised by unwavering commitment and transformative leadership.
ALSO READ: End of an era: Van der Rheede retires from Agri SA
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