Dr Ilse Trautmann has been appointed as deputy director general for agricultural research and regulatory services in the Western Cape department of agriculture.
Agricultural research and regulatory services is one of two branches in the department and Trautmann is the first incumbent in the post as deputy. She has previously been chief director for research and technology development services within the department.
The branch includes the three programmes of veterinary services, research and technology development services, and agricultural economic services. These are the more scientific, technical and regulatory programmes of the department.
Trautmann, who is no stranger to the Western Cape agricultural sector, says she would like to grow the branch to a new level of service delivery. Furthermore, she will seek synergies between the three programmes, also on the innovative and technologically advanced level.
“Also foster better partnerships with our other programmes and stakeholders in the sector. One of my major focus areas would be people and skills development of the staff in the branch. And my question will remain: What makes our three programmes different to our counterparts in other provinces and how can we better serve our clients in the sector?”
More about the new deputy
Trautmann has held her previous position in the department for more than a decade. She’s also been in other senior management positions within the department since 2003.
With a curious mind for all things new in technology and innovation, her deep passion is to improve agriculture through science. She also has a keen interest in technology transfer, from the conventional to the latest online methods and under her leadership the research team excelled at all levels.
Trautmann is a trusted name in the agricultural fraternity. With her profound knowledge and understanding of the sector, as well as the various industries that drive it, she is often sought to give advice and guidance to the industry role players. She serves as board member of the SA Academy for Science and Arts and of Winetech. She was also recently invited to serve on the Hortgro Science Advisory Council.
Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, head of the department, describes Trautmann is an experienced senior manager. “I am happy to have her take up this new portfolio. I believe in science and the programmes within this branch delivers some of the most critical services to the sector, thereby enhancing its competitiveness. I am excited to see how she puts a stamp on this position, in a uniquely Ilse way,” he says.
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