The ground beneath agriculture has shifted. So have we

AgriSA and ENS bring together leaders to explore the future of connected leadership in South African agriculture

The ground beneath agriculture has shifted. So have we.

AgriSA and ENS bring together leaders to explore the future of connected leadership in South African agriculture

South African agriculture has never lacked capability. Across the sector, farmers, commodity organisations, agribusinesses, financial institutions, researchers, legal experts and policymakers each bring deep expertise and experience. The challenge is increasingly not whether that capability exists, but how effectively it is connected.

This was the central theme of an AgriSA and ENS corporate event held in Johannesburg, where leaders from across agriculture, business, finance and the legal profession gathered to discuss the changing environment in which South African agriculture operates and the partnerships required to unlock future growth.

The discussion followed a keynote address by AgriSA CEO Johann Kotzé and was built around a simple but powerful premise: the ground beneath agriculture has shifted. Global geopolitical changes, evolving markets, institutional reform and changing expectations of leadership require new ways of working together.

Rather than focusing solely on the challenges facing agriculture, the panel explored how South Africa can better connect existing capability across sectors and institutions to accelerate implementation, strengthen competitiveness and build long-term resilience.

From advocacy to connection

One of the strongest themes to emerge from the evening was the evolving role of organised agriculture.

Agriculture has always relied on collaboration, but today’s environment requires partnerships that extend beyond the farm gate. Sustainable solutions increasingly depend on meaningful engagement between organised agriculture, business, financial institutions and government.

For AgriSA, this represents an important evolution.

As the national voice of organised agriculture, AgriSA continues to advocate for the interests of its members. At the same time, it is increasingly creating opportunities to connect people, organisations and institutions around shared priorities that strengthen South African agriculture.

Events such as these demonstrate the value of bringing diverse perspectives into the same conversation, where ideas can be exchanged, relationships strengthened and practical partnerships formed.

A diverse panel of leaders

The discussion was moderated by Lindie Stroebel, Country Manager of Mission Produce South Africa, and featured an experienced panel representing business, agriculture and finance:

Cas Coovadia, B20 South Africa Sherpa and former CEO of Business Unity South Africa
Michael Katz, Chairman of ENS
Willem de Chavonnes Vrugt, President of AgriSA
Nic Bronkhorst, CEO of Obaro and Chair of AgriSA’s Corporate Chamber
Daneel Rossouw, Head of Sales Agriculture at Nedbank
Dr Muhammad Kadwa, Industry Affairs Manager at SA Canegrowers

Together, the panel explored topics including South Africa’s changing economic landscape, investment confidence, agricultural risk, institutional leadership, collaboration and the role of organised agriculture in building stronger partnerships for the future.

Building relationships that matter

While the formal discussion provided valuable insights, the evening also created space for the informal conversations that often lead to lasting partnerships.

Representatives from across the agricultural value chain had the opportunity to engage directly, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships in an environment built on trust and shared purpose.

These connections are increasingly important as agriculture responds to complex challenges that cannot be solved by any single organisation acting alone.

Looking ahead

South African agriculture faces significant opportunities, but realising them will require continued collaboration across industries and institutions.

By bringing together farmers, commodity organisations, agribusinesses, financial institutions, business leaders and government representatives, AgriSA aims to strengthen the partnerships that enable agriculture to grow, innovate and compete.

Because the future of South African agriculture will not be built by one organisation.

It will be built by a sector that is connected, collaborative and committed to a shared vision for growth.