Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP), Grain SA’s dedicated developing farmer representative and support entity, announces the appointment of Khomotso Mashiloane as Chief Executive Officer.
Under Mashiloane’s leadership, PGP will focus on helping developing grain farmers progress towards productive, profitable and sustainable commercial farming enterprises. Central to this direction is support tailored to farmers at different stages of development, with success measured by improvements in their farming businesses and stronger partnerships to expand access to finance, markets and opportunities.
Welcoming the appointment, PGP Chairperson Jeremia Mathebula said:
“Khomotso brings practical experience in farmer development and an understanding of how government and industry can work together to support our farmers. We look forward to his leadership as we build on PGP’s foundation and strengthen our role as the voice of developing grain producers. Our priority remains clear: to help farmers turn their potential into productive, profitable and sustainable businesses that support their families, strengthen rural communities and contribute to South Africa’s food security”.
Addressing farmers, partners and industry representatives at PGP’s Day of Celebration on 8 October 2026, Mashiloane outlined an approach grounded in listening, building on the organisation’s strengths and addressing the practical barriers that limit farmer progress. “As I take on this responsibility, my approach will be simple: listen, learn, understand and then strengthen,” he said.
Agricultural experience grounded in farmer development
Mashiloane brings experience in agricultural production, farmer development, technical advisory services and government stakeholder engagement. His career spans farm operations, roles at OBARO and Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), and work in the ministries of Agriculture and Water and Sanitation. This background combines an understanding of farmers’ practical challenges with experience in bringing government and industry stakeholders together to support agricultural development.
His academic background in agriculture, coupled with his training as an educator and further professional development in project management and public administration, provides a strong foundation for his commitment to practical farmer development, capacity building and agricultural inclusive growth.
Farmer progression and measurable impact
Speaking to the celebration’s theme, “Strengthen the Foundation”, Mashiloane emphasised that farmer development must translate into measurable improvements in farming businesses. PGP’s focus will extend beyond reporting activities and the number of farmers reached to demonstrating actual farmer progression, improved productivity and greater profitability. This will help farmers, funders and industry partners understand the difference that development support makes on the ground.
“We must also be able to demonstrate how many farmers progress because of our interventions,” he said.
PGP will build on its training, mentorship and technical support to help farmers strengthen their operations and move towards commercial viability. The aim is to create clear pathways for progress, recognising farmers’ different starting points and connecting them with the knowledge, technology, finance and markets they need to grow. For farmers, this means support that responds to their needs and helps them build more resilient, self-sustaining businesses.
Mashiloane also identified water access and water-use licensing as concerns raised repeatedly by farmers during the day’s discussions. Drawing on his experience and relationships in the water sector, he committed to facilitating engagement with the relevant authorities and helping farmers navigate these challenges.
“I cannot promise that every challenge will be resolved overnight, but I can commit to ensuring that we engage the right people and pursue practical solutions.”
Strategic partnerships will be central to this work. PGP will strengthen collaboration with government, financial institutions, agribusinesses and commodity organisations to unlock access to finance, markets and other opportunities for developing farmers. By linking practical farmer support with the resources and expertise of its partners, PGP aims to address barriers to growth and help farmers participate more fully in the grain economy.
For funders and industry stakeholders, this direction places farmer outcomes at the centre of collaboration: stronger farming businesses, improved productivity and profitability, and sustained progress towards commercial production. Mashiloane’s focus is on building on PGP’s existing foundation with its team, farmers and partners to achieve this impact.
“Because ultimately, food security begins with a farmer who is able to plant, produce and build a sustainable farming business,” he said.
Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) is Grain SA’s non-profit farmer development initiative and a voice for developing grain producers. It supports black grain farmers of all sizes, from subsistence to new era commercial level, through practical training, study groups, on-farm mentorship, advocacy and assistance with access to production finance, markets and information. PGP works to improve household and national food security, bring underutilised arable land into productive use, strengthen rural incomes and local economies, and support farmers’ progress towards commercially viable, self-sustaining enterprises. Its broader development work also encourages women and young people to participate in agriculture, helping build a more inclusive and transformed grain sector.
