Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP), an organization representing the interests of developing farmers and providing them with support within Grain SA, has announced the appointment of Khomotso Mashilwana as Chief Executive Officer.
Under Mashilwana's leadership, PGP will focus its efforts on helping grain-growing farmers achieve the status of productive, profitable, and sustainable commercial agricultural enterprises. A central element of this strategy is providing support tailored to different stages of farmer development, with success being measured by improvements in their farm operations and strengthening partnerships to expand access to finance, markets, and opportunities.
The Chairman of PGP, Jeremy Mathebala, welcomed the appointment, noting that Mashilwana possesses practical experience in farmer development and understands how government and industry can collaborate to support agriculture.
Mathebala stated: 'We look forward to his leadership as we build upon PGP's foundation and strengthen our role as the voice of developing grain producers. Our priority remains clear: to help farmers turn their potential into productive, profitable, and sustainable enterprises that support their families, strengthen rural communities, and contribute to South Africa's food security.'
Addressing farmers, partners, and industry representatives at the recent PGP Celebration Day, Mashilwana presented an approach based on active listening, leveraging the organization's strengths, and removing practical obstacles hindering farmers' progress. He emphasized: 'When I take on this responsibility, my approach will be simple: listen, learn, understand, and then build.'
According to Mathebala, Mashilwana has experience in agricultural production, farmer development, technical consultancy services, and engagement with government stakeholders. His career includes work on farms, positions at Obaro and Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), as well as service in the ministries of agriculture and water supply and sanitation.
Mathebala noted that this experience combines an understanding of farmers' practical challenges with experience in uniting governmental and industrial stakeholders to support agricultural development. He added that Mashilwana's academic background in agriculture, along with his training as a lecturer and further professional development in project management and public administration, provides a solid foundation for his commitment to practical farmer development, capacity building, and inclusive agricultural growth.
Speaking at the 'Strengthening the Foundation' celebration theme, Mashilwana stressed that farmer development must lead to measurable improvements in their businesses. He clarified that PGP's focus will be broader than just reporting on events held or the number of farmers reached; it will be about demonstrating actual farmer advancement, increased productivity, and greater profitability. This will help farmers, sponsors, and industry partners understand the value of local development support.
He underscored the need to prove: 'We must also be able to demonstrate how many farmers have made progress thanks to our interventions.'
Mashilwana also highlighted access to water and water use licensing as issues repeatedly raised by farmers during discussions. Drawing on his experience and connections in the water sector, he promised to facilitate engagement with relevant authorities and help farmers overcome these difficulties. He concluded: 'I cannot promise that every problem will be solved overnight, but I can promise to ensure engagement with the right people and achieve practical solutions. Because ultimately, food security starts with a farmer who can plant, produce, and build a sustainable agricultural business.'
