Welcome on ‘Board’

June 2025

To ensure that Grain SA is always well represented at grassroots level, every region is represented on the Board of the Grain SA group of entities.

Meet the two farmers who were elected at the 2025 Grain SA Congress to represent Region 28 and Region 31. Because Grain SA plays a big role in the development as farmers, they hope to market this organisation to farmers who do not yet realise the impact of PGP in agriculture. They look forward to engaging with other farmers at Board meetings, as they can learn from fellow producers and share valuable information with the members in their region.

The Board member for Region 28, William Raphoto (44), farms at Lareystryd in the Lichtenburg area in North West where he runs a mixed farming operation. He plants maize and soybeans, while his livestock component consists of Bonsmara and Simbra cattle, sheep and goats.

William experienced first-hand that Grain SA believes in their farmers and want the best for them when he was presented with the 2023 New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year award. He hopes that other farmers will become more aware of the importance of orga­nised agriculture through his leadership.

Shadrack Mbele (56) represents Region 31. He farms at Danielsrus between Harrismith and Kestell in the Free State. He plants maize, soybeans and sugar beans in a crop rotation system and also has a Simbra herd. He believes farmers need perseverance and adaptability.

‘With farming being inherently exposed to various challenges – droughts, floods, pests, diseases and market volatility – perseverance allows me to weather these storms. Challenges have also taught me to be adaptable and adjust my agricultural practices to minimise losses and ensure continued production.’ 

Publication: June 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula

Author: COMPILED BY LOUISE KUNZ, ASSISTANT EDITOR, PULA