Meet the CEOs shaping your future at Young Farmers Indaba

With tickets selling fast, the 2025 Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba promises to set a new benchmark for innovation and inspiration, featuring some of the most influential figures in the agricultural sector.

The two-day gathering, taking place on Tuesday, 1 April, and Wednesday, 2 April at the Lavender Kontrei Market in Pretoria North, is expected to draw over 600 attendees per day, cementing its reputation as the ultimate platform for the next generation of farmers and agripreneurs.

As the excitement builds, Food For Mzansi has revealed the first wave of high-profile speakers who will grace the main stage. A

A new addition to this year’s indaba programme is the executive forum, which will spotlight some of agriculture’s most prominent figures. These industry leaders will participate in a high-level panel discussion, offering attendees a rare opportunity to sit at their feet, gain valuable insights, and engage in one-on-one conversations.

It’s a unique chance to have all the big names in one room.

GET YOUR TICKET HERE!

Ivor Karan: CEO and founder of Karan Beef

As the head of Africa’s largest beef producer, Ivor Karan is a household name in South Africa’s meat industry. Starting his journey in 1974 with a small dairy farm inherited from his grandfather, Karan built Karan Beef into a powerhouse with a renowned feedlot in Heidelberg, Gauteng, housing 21,000 head of cattle. Known for his unparalleled expertise and innovation, Karan is set to offer invaluable insights into scaling operations and navigating the complexities of the meat industry.

Richard Manzini: CEO of Daybreak Foods

Richard Manzini leads Daybreak Foods, one of South Africa’s largest poultry producers, which processes over one million chickens weekly. With extensive private equity experience across Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Manzini has a proven ability to revamp businesses, expand markets, and generate socio-economic impact. His session will delve into managing value chains effectively while addressing challenges and opportunities in South Africa’s poultry sector.

GET YOUR TICKET HERE!

Thabo Mavundza: Managing director of Westfalia Fruit Africa

From humble beginnings in Mavalani Village, Limpopo, Thabo Mavundza now oversees the African operations of Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in avocado production. With over 3 500 employees and assets worth up to R5 billion under his management, Mavundza’s career is a testament to hard work and visionary leadership. His presentation will highlight the importance of innovation in horticulture and the role of mentorship in building sustainable agricultural practices.

Themba Rikhotso: CEO of Land Bank

As the CEO of Land Bank, Themba Rikhotso is steering one of South Africa’s most critical agricultural financing institutions toward a brighter future. With a background in farming and finance, Rikhotso is championing blended financing models and other sustainable solutions to empower new-era farmers. His strategies address pressing challenges such as high non-performing loans and volatile commodity prices while fostering collaboration across the agricultural value chain.

Early bird tickets are still available, offering a chance to secure your spot before they sell out. Get first dibs on the 2025 Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba tickets and SAVE R145! But hurry! Limited early-bird tickets are available, so don’t miss your chance to save on your all-access pass. For more information and ticket bookings, click here.