The Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele as its new Executive Director. He will lead the association which champions the vital role the citrus industry plays in South African agriculture and the economy. The CGA represents over 1560 citrus growers from South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.

Dr Ntshabele has extensive experience spanning academia, the private sector and the public sector. For the past five years he has been Director of Biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). Originally trained as a veterinarian, Dr Ntshabele has also held leadership positions at Onderstepoort Biological Products. He was Minister Counsellor for Agriculture at the South African Embassy in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Mission to the European Union from 2015 to 2019.

His successful track record in management, policy development, international engagement and negotiation positions him as an expert advocate for the interests of local citrus growers. The South African citrus industry is largely export-oriented and generates over R30 billion (approximately €1.546 billion) a year in foreign earnings for the country.

“I look forward to helping shape the future of the local citrus industry. This is a pivotal time for the sector. We must ensure that the projected growth in citrus production translates into greater economic opportunities. A key to achieving this is to expand market access for our growers,” says Dr Ntshabele.

Dr Ntshabele will take up the role from 1 February. “The continued focus on sustainability is also a priority. I have always believed that true sustainability has little meaning if it does not include inclusive growth. In this area, it is important that the citrus industry continues to build on the exceptional work it has done. If all obstacles are removed, Southern African citrus can create even more significant economic opportunities for all,” continued Dr Ntshabele.

Gerrit van der Merwe, President of the CGA, says: “We are excited to begin this new chapter in the CGA’s history with Dr Ntshabele. He has our full confidence and support.”

Justin Chadwick, the outgoing CEO, welcomed the appointment: “I have known Dr Ntshabele for many years and am delighted that he has accepted the role of CEO of the CGA. His ability to calmly assess and reason, as well as his diplomacy, will be a great asset to the CGA as the industry strives to continue its growth path in increasingly uncertain times. I wish Dr Ntshabele all the best as he takes the organisation forward.”

After many years as CEO, Chadwick will retire at the end of March. “I have been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to be CEO for the past 25 years, and I have no doubt that Dr Ntshabele will take the CGA further and further,” says Chadwick.