The South African agricultural sector has woken to news of the sudden and unexpected passing of Ntombi Msimang, who chaired the country's National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) and was a key figure in developing its fresh produce industry in the post-apartheid era.
Announcing the news, NAMC chief executive Ronald Ramabulana described Msimang – known to colleagues affectionately as Ma Ntombi – as a 'remarkable woman' and said South Africa had lost 'a giant in agriculture'.
'It is with much sadness and grief that the board and staff of the NAMC join the agricultural sector in mourning the passing of its chairperson, Mrs Ntombi Msimang,' Ramabulana wrote.
He added: 'The loss does not only affect the NAMC but that of the entire agricultural sector and development of the position of women in South African agriculture. Shock is an understatement, we have lost a giant in agriculture.'
Deputy chairman Andrè Young echoed those sentiments and extended condolences to the Msimang family on behalf of the NAMC board.
'Ma Ntombi has been the rock and pillar in advancing the transformation agenda in the agricultural sector. She will be sorely missed by all.'
Msimang had chaired the NAMC board for the past five years, having been re-appointed by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for a second term as a result of what was described as 'sterling work'.
In 2012, she was asked to head up South Africa's Agri-Sector Unity Forum, taking on the daunting task of ensuring agriculture spoke to the national government with one voice.
She was also instrumental in establishing the local branch of the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program earlier this year.
According to Ramabulana, she was a true-spirited entrepreneur, managing various portfolios including: managing director of Peulwana Agricultural Financial Services; co-managing director of Strategic Agricultural Interventions; board member of South African Table Grape Industry; council member of AFASA; and chairperson of Nozala Trust, an investment trust promoting entrepreneurial development for women.
The fresh produce media will remember Msimang for her sharp wit and sound analysis of the South African horticulture sector, particularly during appearances at the Eurofruit Congress events in Cape Town.
