The South African Citrus Growers Association (CGA) has announced that Justin Chadwick will retire at the end of March after many years as chief executive officer.

Chairperson Gerrit van der Merwe revealed the appointment of Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele as his replacement, joining the CGA in February.

According to a statement, Ntshabele has extensive experience spanning the areas of academia, the private sector and the public sector.

For the past five years he has been the director biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

Originally trained as a veterinarian, Ntshabele has also held leadership positions at Onderstepoort Biological Products.

He was the minister counsellor agriculture at the South African Embassy to Belgium and Luxemburg, and the mission to the European Union from 2015 to 2019.

Chadwick, who over the years became a household name in the world of citrus and has led the industry through significant challenges, is expected to culminate his term at the CGA’s annual congress in March.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to be CEO for the past 25 years, and I have no doubt that Dr Ntshabele will take the CGA from strength to strength,” said Chadwick.

Van der Merwe explained that Ntshabele’s successful track record in management, policy development, international engagement and negotiation positioned him as a knowledgeable advocate for the interests of local citrus growers.

“I am looking forward to help shape the future of the local citrus industry,” said Ntshabele. ”This is a crucial time for the sector.

”We must make sure that the projected growth in citrus production is translated into increased economic opportunities,” he noted.

”A key to achieving that is expanding market access for our growers.

Van der Merwe said the citrus sector was enthusiastic to start a new chapter in the CGA’s history with Ntshabele.

”He has our full confidence and support,” he added.

Reference Link, Fruitnet News