Citrus Growers’ Association welcomes Dr. Ntshabele as new CEO
SOUTH AFRICA – The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has appointed Dr. Boitshoko Ntshabele as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2025.
He takes over from Justin Chadwick, who will retire in March after leading the association for 25 years.
The CGA represents more than 1,560 citrus growers across South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia.
The association advocates for the citrus industry’s critical role in agriculture and its contribution to the South African economy, with the sector generating over R30 billion annually in foreign revenue.
Dr. Ntshabele has a robust background in academia, private enterprise, and public service. For the past five years, he has served as Director of Biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
He also held leadership positions at Onderstepoort Biological Products and was the Minister Counsellor for Agriculture at South Africa’s Embassy in Belgium from 2015 to 2019.
The CGA commended his “successful track record in management, policy development, international engagement, and negotiation,” highlighting him as a knowledgeable advocate for local citrus growers.
Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Dr. Ntshabele said: “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. A key to achieving that is expanding market access for our growers.”
He also underscored the importance of sustainability in his vision for the industry. “I have always believed true sustainability is of little meaning if it does not embrace inclusive growth. In this area, it is important for the citrus industry to continue building on the exceptional work it has done. If all obstacles are removed, Southern African citrus can create even more significant economic opportunities for all.”
Gerrit van der Merwe, Chairperson of the CGA, shared his confidence in Dr. Ntshabele’s leadership. “We are enthusiastic to start this new chapter in the CGA’s history with Dr. Ntshabele. He has our full confidence and support.”
Outgoing CEO Justin Chadwick, who has worked closely with Dr. Ntshabele over the years, welcomed the appointment. “I have known Dr. Ntshabele for many years, and I am thrilled that he has accepted the post of CEO of the CGA. His ability to calmly assess and reason, as well as his diplomacy, will be a huge asset to the CGA as the industry strives to continue on its growth path during more and more uncertain times.”
Chadwick’s tenure saw the citrus industry expand its production areas and market reach, including collaboration with growers in neighboring countries like Zimbabwe.
His efforts positioned the sector as a global leader despite challenges such as rising freight costs and political uncertainties.
Reflecting on his time as CEO, Chadwick said: “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.”
The total orange output for the 2023/24 season is expected to increase by 3% to 1.69 million metric tons, thanks to abundant rainfall in key growing regions.
The 2024 citrus export season is also projected to see growth, including a 7% rise in lemon exports to 37.9 million cartons, a 4% increase in navel oranges to 25.6 million cartons, and a 12% increase in Valencia oranges to 58 million cartons.
Citrus Growers’ Association welcomes Dr. Ntshabele as new CEO
SOUTH AFRICA – The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has appointed Dr. Boitshoko Ntshabele as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2025.
He takes over from Justin Chadwick, who will retire in March after leading the association for 25 years.
The CGA represents more than 1,560 citrus growers across South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia.
The association advocates for the citrus industry’s critical role in agriculture and its contribution to the South African economy, with the sector generating over R30 billion annually in foreign revenue.
Dr. Ntshabele has a robust background in academia, private enterprise, and public service. For the past five years, he has served as Director of Biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
He also held leadership positions at Onderstepoort Biological Products and was the Minister Counsellor for Agriculture at South Africa’s Embassy in Belgium from 2015 to 2019.
The CGA commended his “successful track record in management, policy development, international engagement, and negotiation,” highlighting him as a knowledgeable advocate for local citrus growers.
Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Dr. Ntshabele said: “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. A key to achieving that is expanding market access for our growers.”
He also underscored the importance of sustainability in his vision for the industry. “I have always believed true sustainability is of little meaning if it does not embrace inclusive growth. In this area, it is important for the citrus industry to continue building on the exceptional work it has done. If all obstacles are removed, Southern African citrus can create even more significant economic opportunities for all.”
Gerrit van der Merwe, Chairperson of the CGA, shared his confidence in Dr. Ntshabele’s leadership. “We are enthusiastic to start this new chapter in the CGA’s history with Dr. Ntshabele. He has our full confidence and support.”
Outgoing CEO Justin Chadwick, who has worked closely with Dr. Ntshabele over the years, welcomed the appointment. “I have known Dr. Ntshabele for many years, and I am thrilled that he has accepted the post of CEO of the CGA. His ability to calmly assess and reason, as well as his diplomacy, will be a huge asset to the CGA as the industry strives to continue on its growth path during more and more uncertain times.”
Chadwick’s tenure saw the citrus industry expand its production areas and market reach, including collaboration with growers in neighboring countries like Zimbabwe.
His efforts positioned the sector as a global leader despite challenges such as rising freight costs and political uncertainties.
Reflecting on his time as CEO, Chadwick said: “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.”
The total orange output for the 2023/24 season is expected to increase by 3% to 1.69 million metric tons, thanks to abundant rainfall in key growing regions.
The 2024 citrus export season is also projected to see growth, including a 7% rise in lemon exports to 37.9 million cartons, a 4% increase in navel oranges to 25.6 million cartons, and a 12% increase in Valencia oranges to 58 million cartons.