A panel discussion on structural reform and business-government partnerships as drivers of economic growth formed part of the opening session on the first day of the #AgbizCongress2026.
The panel was facilitated by Tanya Cohen and featured Prof Johan Kirsten, director of the Bureau for Economic Research at Stellenbosch University; Lunga Maloyi, director of economic policy at Business Unity South Africa (BUSA); and Prof Ferdi Meyer, managing director of the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP).
The discussion focused on the role that partnerships and strategic alliances play in driving operational improvements across the economy and advancing structural reform.
Panelists noted that while policies, regulations and institutional frameworks have been established, challenges relating to human and institutional capacity remain.
These constraints are often compounded by a lack of political and administrative will to implement reforms and bring initiatives to fruition.
Congratulations to the new @AgbizSA leadership elected during the organisation's members' meeting at the #AgbizCongress2026 in Gqeberha.
PG Strauss was elected chairperson, while Lukeshni Chetty and Francois Swanepoel were elected deputy chairpersons.
The newly elected Steering Committee members are Boitshoko Ntshabele and Tobias Doyer.
The other elected member representatives are:
• Dewald Olivier
• Dr Thomas Funke
• Liesl Breytenbach
• Marlene Louw
• Piet Smit
“This leadership reflects the spirit of this year’s Congress theme, ‘Embracing Collaboration’, as we continue engaging on the future of a competitive, sustainable and inclusive agribusiness sector,” said Agbiz CEO Theo Boshoff.
Photo: @ToitMagda
We are offering an exiting career opportunity for an individual with a comprehensive understanding of managing a citrus and CIS nursery in Letsitele. See the responsibilities and requirements below 👇.
#MahelaGroup#mahelaboerdery#mahelapeople
Finance and administrative teams play a vital role in ensuring a organisation’s financial health and sustainability. Our team is entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities that are instrumental in guiding the business to meeting our objectives.
#MahelaGroup#mahelaboerdery
Sustainable farming is dependent on many factors, one of which focuses on diversification. At Mahela we manage a commercial Bonsmara herd believing that with the breed’s origins in the Limpopo Province, it is ideally suited to our operation and needs. #Mahelagroup#Mahelaboerdery
The Protea is South Africa’s national flower. These stunning flowers are renowned for their unique shapes, and vibrant colours. On our farm, Geelhoutboom near George, we make an effort to protect these iconic flower plants. #MahelaGroup#mahelaboerdery#farmingwithnature
@AgriWritersSA and Design Biologix hosted the launch of the updated edition of Drs Faffa Malan and the late Jan Du Preez's industry benchmark book: Vaccines and Immunisation of Farm Animals. Proud of our members Dok Faffa and publisher Sanet du Plessis. #agriwriterssa
The Mahela team at the 2024 Citrus Research International Symposium this week: Carl Fourie with Eddie, Barend and Edri Vorster. The symposium provided information on citrus research conducted for the SA citrus industry. #MahelaGroup#mahelaboerdery#mahelacitrus#crisymposium
Food supply is not guaranteed. A disruption in the food supply network can have huge repercussions for consumers globally. Jeff Row, CEO Syngenta Group at the @IFAJ @IFAJ2024
“There will be no sustainable agriculture and food production if we do not also have profitable farmers.” Jeff Row, CEO Syngenta Group at the @IFAJ @IFAJ2024 @Syngenta#agriwriterssa#ifaj24
@ToitMagda our representative to the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, has been elected on the IFAJ presidium. She will be serving as treasurer. Steve Werblow (left) was elected as president Addy Rossi as vice-president, and Adrian Bell as secretary general.