Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele will take over as CEO of the Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (SCA) from Justin Chadwick on 1 February.
Chadwick, who is retiring at the end of March, says he was “incredibly privileged to have had the opportunity to be the CEO for the past 25 years and he has no doubt that Dr Ntshabele will take the SCA from strength to strength”.
Gerrit van der Merwe, chairperson of the SCA, said in a statement that Ntshabele has extensive experience in academia, as well as in the private and public sectors. He was the director of biosecurity in the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development for the past five years.
Van der Merwe said Ntshabele has the SCA’s full trust and support.
Ntshabele, who originally trained as a veterinarian, held leadership positions at Onderstepoort Biological Products. He was the Ministerial Agricultural Adviser in the South African Embassies in Belgium and Luxembourg from 2015 to 2019, and the diplomatic mission to the European Union.
According to Van der Merwe, he has a successful background in management, policy development, international liaison and negotiations. This enables him to be an informed champion for the interests of local citrus growers.
Ntshabele says he looks forward to helping shape the industry’s future. “This is a very important time for this sector. We need to ensure that the expected growth in citrus production is translated into increased economic opportunities. Expanding market access for growers is important for this.”
The continued focus on sustainability is also a matter that must be prioritised. “I have always believed that true sustainability means little if it does not involve inclusive growth. In this area, it is important that the citrus industry continues to continue its exceptional work. If all obstacles are removed, Southern African citrus can create even more significant economic opportunities for all.”
Chadwick has known Ntshabele for many years and is excited that he has accepted the position. “His ability to calmly assess and reason, as well as his diplomacy, will be a great asset to the SCA as the industry strives to continue its growth in increasingly uncertain times.”
