Fruit South Africa announces changes to its board leadership

Pretoria, 9 April 2025 – Fruit South Africa (Fruit SA) is pleased to announce key leadership changes within its Board of Directors, effective 1 April 2025.

These appointments mark a significant transition as the organisation continues to strengthen its leadership and strategic vision for the South African fruit industry.

Mr Anton Rabe has been appointed as the board’s new chairperson, succeeding Mr Anton Kruger, who has served in this role since 1 April 2023. Mr Rabe will be supported by Mr Derek Donkin, who assumes the position of vice chairperson. While Mr Kruger steps down as chairperson, he will continue contributing as a board director.

Additionally, Fruit SA bids farewell to two esteemed board members, Mr Justin Chadwick and Ms Vangile Titi-Msumza, who retired on 31 March 2025. Mr Chadwick’s departure follows his 25-year tenure as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) of Southern Africa. As a founding director of Fruit SA, Mr Chadwick played an instrumental role in establishing and growing the organisation.

Ms Titi-Msumza, who has served on the board since 2017, leaves a legacy as one of the longest-serving directors. Fruit SA sincerely appreciates their dedication, leadership, and invaluable contributions.

The board is also pleased to welcome three new directors: Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, the newly appointed CGA CEO, and Ms Jacqueline Maisela and Ms Jenetha Mahlangu. Their extensive experience, particularly in government and industry-related capacities, will be instrumental in furthering Fruit SA’s mission. Ms Maisela and Ms Mahlangu join Dr Nompumelelo Obokoh as independent board directors, bringing the number of independent directors to three.

“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,” stated Mr Rabe. “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.”

The board remains committed to fostering a competitive, equitable, and sustainable fruit industry and is confident that these appointments will further enhance its strategic direction.

END

For media inquiries, please contact:
Fhumulani Ratshitanga
Chief Executive Officer
Fruit South Africa
Email: fhumulani@fruitsa.co.za

Visit Fruit SA: https://fruitsa.co.za/