From Purpose to Practice: Growing Agri-Leaders Who Lead for Impact

As part of repositioning the Tshwane School for Business and Society (TSB) as an independent, forward-facing institution, the school is actively brokering and building relationships with key stakeholders across sectors. One such partnership is the Agri-Business Management Development Programme, delivered in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture.

Marking a milestone in this partnership, the first block of the Agri-Business Management Development Programme, recently concluded. Professor Hlengani Mathebula delivered a powerful address to a promising room of delegates selected for the programme. In his message, he encouraged delegates to remain cognisant of their "why" as they journey toward transforming South Africa’s agricultural landscape.

“This journey you have embarked upon is no ordinary course. It is a calling. A commitment. A covenant.”

Held in Nelspruit, the five-day gathering brought together a group of dynamic, young minds eager to become leaders in the agri-business sector. Professor Mathebula opened his remarks with gratitude to the leadership of the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture. He highlighted the importance of strategic foresight in partnerships such as these and how pivotal they are to building a South Africa we can all be proud of.

The modules completed during this block focused on Leadership & Human Resource Management and Strategy & Business Modelling. These modules were designed not only to impart knowledge but also to foster self-awareness, agility, and resilience when working with people within and beyond the agri-business environment. Echoing Prof Mathebula’s words,

“We don’t just grow crops. We grow people.”

In his address, Professor Mathebula challenged delegates to think like entrepreneurs. Using the host venues as a metaphor, he said:

“Imagine you are two farmers – one under the Mercure brand, one under the Capitol. Both close in proximity, but vastly different in model and execution. Which are you? Focused or diversified? Disruptor or defender?”

He reminded delegates that in business, as in life, strategy is essential. It is a tactful skill that truly sets you apart in the market.

Pictured: Professor Hlengani Mathebula, Director of the Tshwane School of Business, addressing delegates

In closing, he reflected on the overarching vision of the programme, through the national Young Producers and Entrepreneurs Strategy (YPES), the goal is to nurture talent that will build enterprises, foster job creation, and steward food security. This aligns with TSB’s ongoing commitment to developing purpose-driven leaders who will lead for impact.

Pictured: Agri-Business Management Development Programme delegates

Professor Mathebula left the cohort with three guiding principles to lead with clarity, to think strategically and to work collaboratively.