In a move to unlock new pathways for agricultural growth and transformation, African Farming will host the first-ever AgriFund Connect Summit on Thursday, 6 November 2025 at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre.

Here are some of our esteemed speakers

Success Mdluli – Project Manager of the Zamukele programme at the Schoeman Group

Success is the project manager of the Zamukele programme, a development initiative by the Schoeman Group. He juggles his professional responsibilities as a project manager with his passion for grain and pig farming, working as a part-time farmer. Zamukele, which started in 2017, aims to empower emerging dry-bean producers to become commercial farmers. The programme focuses on identifying and supporting small white-bean farmers by providing access to mentorship, seeds and fertilisers in both local and international markets.

Dewald Olivier – CEO of Red Meat Industry Services

Dewald is the CEO of RMIS and holds an LLB, a Higher Diploma in Import and Export, and an MBA from North West University. He has served as the Executive Director of RMIS and as a trustee of the Meat Industry Trust for more than six years. His contributions focus on corporate governance and business ethics to promote equitable outcomes. Dewald is committed to building collaborative partnerships that prioritise alignment with industry needs while upholding integrity and innovation in every initiative. Under his leadership, RMIS advances ethical governance and corporate law practices within the agriculture sector, fostering strategic relationships that support sustainable industry transformation. This aligns with the organisation’s mission to create value for stakeholders.

Praveen Dwarika_Afgri Farmer Development

Praveen Dwarika – Managing Director at AFGRI Farmer Development

Praveen is the Managing Director at AFGRI Farmer Development and has a strong passion for New Era Farmer Development. He holds an MBA and is a certified HBDI Practitioner as well as a life coach. Through training and mentorship, he aims to empower new-era farmers to become active participants in South Africa’s commercial agricultural value chain. The AFGRI Farmer Development programme focuses on the comprehensive training and development of a new generation of farmers who will contribute to as well as transform South Africa’s agricultural landscape. By equipping these aspiring agriculturists with the necessary skills, knowledge and resources, the programme strives to elevate the entire industry to new heights of productivity, sustainability and innovation.

Dr Tebogo Makube_Dtic_Proudly Sa — Photo: Proudly South Africa

Dr Tebogo Makube – Acting Deputy Director General of Sectors at the dtic

Dr Makube is the Acting Deputy Director General of Sectors at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). Before joining the dtic, he served as the Programme Manager for Fiscal Policy at the Financial and Fiscal Commission. Prior to that, he was the Director of Provincial Infrastructure at the National Treasury. Dr Makube has also held research and management positions at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) and Nokusa Consulting. Additionally, he is a Board Member at Proudly South African. Dr Makube holds a PhD in Energy Studies, along with qualifications in Law, Economic Policy and Energy Economics.

Sipho Modiba – Procurement Manager at Tiger Brands

Sipho is the Procurement Manager for agricultural crops and vegetables at Tiger Brands. He is responsible for sourcing, managing and contracting farmers and suppliers of raw materials such as small white beans for canning, groundnuts for peanut butter, tomatoes for paste manufacturing and vegetables for producing iconic brands in South Africa. Sipho also coordinates and plans crop planting, management, harvesting, delivery volumes and factory raw material utilisation. He leads a team of procurement specialists and technical experts to ensure the successful procurement of these raw materials.

Hlobisile Yende – Director of The Yende and Partners and cofounder of AgriDuo Consulting

Hlobisile is a multi-award-winning farmer with a master’s degree in Social Science, focusing on Criminology and Psychology, as well as an honours degree in Criminology and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). She is currently pursuing another master’s degree in Criminology. Before joining her father on his 1 064ha farm in Heidelberg, Hlobisile worked as an Account Manager at a public relations and events company in Johannesburg. Since taking over the farm in 2020, she has successfully managed a mixed operation that includes cattle, sheep, goats and chickens, with 120ha dedicated to maize production. The farm employs 22 full-time and part-time workers, and its predominantly mountainous and rocky terrain is used for grazing.

Keneilwe Raphesu – Managing Director of Mogalemone Farming and cofounder of AgriDuo Consulting

Keneilwe is the Managing Director of Mogalemone Farming, a mixed-farming operation focused on livestock and grains, as well as AgriDuo Consulting, an agricultural consulting company. She is a multi-award winner with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a strong passion for agriculture, fostering both crop cultivation and economic growth. With a foundation in psychology and labour relations from North-West University, Keneilwe leverages her deep understanding of human behaviour to create a collaborative team environment. AgriDuo Consulting combines technical expertise with personal experience to provide practical solutions and mentorship to farmers, particularly women and youth. The initiatives of AgriDuo Consulting aim to address the challenges faced by farmers, such as a lack of access to land, funding and markets, while promoting inclusivity and empowerment.

Kobela Mokgohloa – CEO of Korema Farms

Kobela is a multi-award-winning farmer and the CEO of Korema Farms, which cultivates cucumbers across 8ha of covered land with approximately 70 tunnels. The company currently supplies three prominent fresh produce markets – the Joburg Fresh Produce Market, the Springs Fresh Produce Market and the Tshwane Fresh Produce Market – as well as several Food Lover’s Market stores, among others. Kobela graduated from Potchefstroom High School for Boys in 2005. He then worked for five years at Global Composite Solutions, an aircraft manufacturer located at Wonderboom National Airport. He obtained his private pilot’s licence in 2008 through an aviation school in Pretoria. However, all the passion that Mokgohloa had for flying was put on hold when he fell in love with farming.