Welcome to the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba, a transformative event designed to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders. We are delighted to announce that Kagiso Trust has partnered with Food For Mzansi to bring you this remarkable gathering.
Join us on the 14th and 15th of June at the renowned FNB Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg for an unforgettable experience. With over 40 distinguished speakers, engaging panel discussions, enlightening masterclasses, and a showcase of exhibitors, the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba promises to be a game-changer for aspiring farmers and agripreneurs.
We are honoured to have the esteemed presence of Thoko Didiza, the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, who will open the indaba at the iconic FNB Stadium. This choice of location holds special significance as it falls on the eve of Youth Day, significant occasion in South Africa’s history.
One of the key highlights of the Indaba is a panel discussion on commercialisation, shedding light on the inspiring stories of Mzansi’s resilient black farmers and agripreneurs. Join renowned A-list farmers Ipeleng Kwadi, Hlobisile Yende, Gene Likhanya, and Dr. Obakeng Mfikwe as they share their personal journeys, triumphs, and insights on shaping the future of farming in our country.
We are also excited to present a panel discussion on fast-tracking financing for new-era farmers. Hear from industry experts such as Themba Rikhotso, CEO of Land Bank, Mankone Ntsaba, Chairperson of Kagiso Trust, Mankodi Moitse, CEO of Kagiso Trust, alongside Kgampi Bapela, Head of Agro-processing and Agriculture at the IDC, and Nazeem Hendricks, leader of the Project Management Unit at the Jobs Fund. These experts will provide invaluable advice, practical tips, and success stories to empower young farmers and agripreneurs in securing financial support for their ventures.
During the indaba, delegates will have the opportunity to participate in three enlightening masterclasses each day. Santam Agriculture will address risk mitigation in farming through comprehensive insurance solutions. The regenerative agriculture masterclass will explore transformative practices for sustainable farming, promoting soil health and biodiversity. Additionally, Land Bank’s masterclass on blended finance will showcase innovative financing models to support inclusive and resilient agricultural development.
The Indaba also offers an exhibitor area where you can explore a diverse range of products, services, and cutting-edge technologies relevant to the agricultural sector. Engage with industry leaders, discover new solutions, and establish valuable partnerships in this interactive space.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to shape the agricultural landscape of tomorrow. Secure your place at the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba by visiting our official website and securing your tickets today. Join us in celebrating the resilience, innovation, and limitless potential of Mzansi’s young agricultural visionaries. Together, let us pave the way for a brighter future in agriculture and contribute to Kagiso Trust’s socio-economic development pillar.
Speaker Bio’s
Mankodi Moitse is the CEO of Kagiso Trust and an experienced group CFO, known for her achievements in financial management and public entities. She is deeply involved in technology, leadership, and community development, while also pursuing her PhD in technology and entrepreneurship.
Mankone Ntsaba is the Chairperson of the board for Kagiso Trust. Mankone Ntsaba has been a dedicated member of Kagiso Trust since 2009, serving as Deputy Chair and Chair of the Programmes Committee. With extensive board membership experience and a background in management consulting and academia, she is passionate about community development and poverty eradication in rural areas of South Africa.
Thoko Didiza is the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development. Having first served as agriculture minister during the late President Nelson Mandela’s tenure, Thoko Didiza has a rare insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Besides being the minister of agriculture, land reform and rural development, she also serves as chairperson of the African Union’s ministerial committee on agriculture, rural development, water and environment. Among other qualifications, she holds a Master’s degree in tertiary education management.
Jaco Beyers is the John Deere managing director in Africa and the Middle East. Jaco Beyers is the managing director in Africa and the Middle East for John Deere. As a respected leader in sales and business operations, he revolutionises the dealership network for agricultural and turf equipment. With his strong managerial and communication skills, he effectively coordinates growth efforts and manages multidisciplinary teams to achieve desired outcomes.
Kgampi Bapela is the head of Agro-processing & Agriculture at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) of South Africa. Kgampi Bapela has extensive experience in deal making, investment banking and development finance. With two Master’s degrees – in food science as well as business administration, respectively – he first joined the IDC in 2005. Earlier career highlights include being a university lecturer, plant chemist, credit evaluation manager and board chairperson for Sheraton Textile Holdings.
Diale Tilo is the CEO of CropLife SA. Diale Tilo joined the Kgodiso Development Fund as executive director in January 2022. He has 24 years of professional experience across public and private sectors. Founded by PepsiCo, Kgodiso is an independent fund founded by PepsiCo Inc. It aims to support the broad socio-economic imperatives of education, SMMEs, emerging farmers and enterprise development across PepsiCo’s value chain. Tilo brings a wealth of farming and corporate experience having previously worked for Standard Bank, Potatoes SA and AgriSETA.