Grain SA ushers in new leadership with Sibusiso Mabuza as CEO of Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP)
His appointment signals a new era of scaled impact, inclusive growth, and transformation in South Africa’s grain sector.
SOUTH AFRICA – Grain SA has announced the appointment of Sibusiso Mabuza as the new Chief Executive Officer of Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP), its dedicated farmer development arm, ushering in a new era of scaled impact, inclusive growth, and transformation in South Africa’s grain sector.
With over two decades of leadership experience spanning agriculture, finance, and infrastructure, Mabuza is widely regarded as a results-driven strategist with a proven ability to raise capital, build partnerships, and deliver scalable development programmes.
His appointment signals a bold shift in PGP’s trajectory, aimed at empowering black grain producers and securing food systems for future generations.
Mabuza’s strategic vision for PGP is deeply rooted in turning potential into prosperity and participation into power, inspiring hope for a brighter future in the grain sector.
“The appointment of Sibusiso Mabuza signals a powerful new phase for PGP,” remarked Dr Tobias Doyer, CEO of Grain SA.
“He is a results-driven leader with the proven ability to raise capital, build partnerships, and deliver scalable development programmes. His track record aligns strongly with our mission to drive inclusive growth, food security, and economic resilience.”
Under his leadership, PGP will expand its footprint across eight provinces, supporting over 18,000 producer beneficiaries ranging from subsistence growers to new-era commercial farmers.
The programme’s grain output, which stood at over 37,000 tons in the 2023/24 season, is projected to exceed 79,000 tons by 2025/26, reflecting the ambitious goals set by the new CEO.
A seasoned development leader, Mabuza has held senior roles at Super Grand Agric, Numolux Group, and the National Empowerment Fund.
His track record includes securing over R50 million in project funding, reviving agri-infrastructure, and designing finance strategies for feed mills, abattoirs, and grain production.
He views his new role as an opportunity to champion transformative growth and ensure that South Africa’s rich agricultural heritage includes emerging black farmers as key players in the industry.
PGP’s development model offers holistic support, mentorship, market access, financing assistance, and technical training, tailored to meet farmers where they are and take them further.
Mabuza stressed that smallholder and developing farmers are central to solving South Africa’s food security crisis and rural economic challenges.
He called for greater integration of these farmers into value chains, policy platforms, and high-value markets, asserting that transformation must go beyond representation to include access, participation, and influence.
Looking ahead, Mabuza’s strategic priorities include leveraging digital tools to enhance farmer support, expanding blended financing instruments with partners like PepsiCo and SACTA, and strengthening government alignment to ensure practical, farmer-centric policies.
He is also committed to driving visibility and advocacy for black farmers across all spaces of influence.
“To our farmers: You are the heartbeat of South Africa’s grain sector. Your resilience inspires us,” emphasised Mabuza, pledging to walk alongside them in building a legacy rooted in purpose and powered by innovation.
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