Fruit South Africa (Fruit SA) has announced significant leadership changes within its Board of Directors, effective 1 April 2025. These appointments signal a new chapter for the organisation as it looks to deepen its strategic focus and leadership capacity in championing the country’s fruit industry.
At the forefront of this transition is the appointment of Mr Anton Rabe as the new chairperson of the board. Mr Rabe, a long-standing figure in the agricultural sector, succeeds Mr Anton Kruger, who has served as chairperson since April 2023. While Mr Kruger steps down from the chairpersonship, he will remain active within Fruit SA as a board director, continuing his contribution to the industry’s development.
Supporting Mr Rabe in the organisation’s top leadership structure is Mr Derek Donkin, who has been appointed as vice chairperson. The new leadership duo brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight, positioning Fruit SA to navigate an evolving agricultural landscape and respond to both domestic and global challenges affecting the fruit sector.
Mr Rabe acknowledged the significance of this leadership transition, stating, “These transitions mark a significant milestone for Fruit SA. Since its formal registration, we have not experienced such a substantial shift in leadership at one time. This change presents a unique opportunity to build upon the organisation’s successes and to drive Fruit SA forward as a unified voice for the South African fruit industry.”
Tributes and New Talent Mark a Transformational Moment
The leadership reshuffle also includes the departure of two long-serving board members, whose contributions have been central to Fruit SA’s growth and influence. Mr Justin Chadwick, a founding director and the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) of Southern Africa, retired from the board on 31 March 2025. His 25-year leadership in the citrus sector and early role in shaping Fruit SA’s direction earned him widespread respect across the industry.
Joining him in retirement is Ms Vangile Titi-Msumza, who has served on the board since 2017. As one of Fruit SA’s longest-serving directors, her commitment and leadership in promoting industry equity and inclusion are widely celebrated. The organisation has expressed its deep appreciation to both individuals for their invaluable service and enduring legacies.
In the wake of these departures, Fruit SA has welcomed three new directors who are expected to bring fresh energy and expertise to the board. Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, the newly appointed CEO of CGA, joins alongside Ms Jacqueline Maisela and Ms Jenetha Mahlangu. With strong backgrounds in government and industry roles, these new appointments are aligned with Fruit SA’s mission to foster a competitive, equitable, and sustainable fruit sector.
The new directors will serve alongside Dr Nompumelelo Obokoh, bringing the number of independent directors on the board to three. This diverse and strategically experienced group is expected to play a critical role in shaping the next phase of Fruit SA’s growth and influence in both local and international markets.
With this renewed leadership team, Fruit SA is poised to advance its advocacy, innovation, and impact as the collective voice of South Africa’s fruit industry.