On Thursday, 28 May 2026, SATI held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Paarl. The meeting provided members with an overview of SATI’s activities and financial performance during the previous financial year, while also offering an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and achievements of the past season.
Agbiz chief economist and South African Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land, Wandile Sihlobo delivered a keynote address, providing valuable insights into the global and domestic economic environment, key agricultural trends and the factors likely to influence South African agriculture and export industries in the years ahead.
SATI Chairperson, Alwyn Dippenaar, presented the Chairperson’s Report, reflecting on the 2025/26 table grape season and the work undertaken by SATI over the past year to support the sustainability, competitiveness and growth of the South African table grape industry.
On the eve of the AGM, SATI members and industry stakeholders gathered for the SATI Chairperson’s Dinner in Paarl. The event provided an informal opportunity for networking, engagement and discussion among industry role players.
SATI would like to thank AGM sponsor Standard Bank for its continued support and commitment to the South African table grape industry.
Thank you also to all SATI members and stakeholders who attended the AGM and Chairperson’s Dinner and contributed to the discussions and engagement.
Key highlights from the Chairperson’s Report
- The South African table grape industry demonstrated resilience during a challenging season, achieving record inspection volumes despite significant commercial and logistical pressures.
- Logistics disruptions highlighted the urgent need for improved export infrastructure and supply chain efficiency.
- SATI continued to invest in research, technical innovation and sustainability initiatives to strengthen industry competitiveness.
- Transformation, skills development and grower support remained important priorities throughout the year.
- Industry collaboration and stakeholder engagement continue to be critical to addressing shared challenges and unlocking future opportunities.
- Market retention, demand creation and diversification will remain key focus areas in an increasingly competitive global environment.
Key messages from Wandile Sihlobo’s presentation:
Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of Agbiz and Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land, addressed SATI members on the role of agriculture in South Africa’s economic growth agenda, the global operating environment and the policy reforms required to unlock the sector’s full potential.
- Sihlobo explained that the role of the Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land was created to improve coordination between government departments responsible for agriculture, land reform, trade, transport, water and industry.
- The objective is to create a more integrated approach to addressing constraints affecting agricultural growth and competitiveness.
- He emphasised that agriculture remains a priority sector for government because of its ability to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, employment and rural development.
- According to Sihlobo, President Cyril Ramaphosa has identified two key outcomes he would like to see from the agricultural sector over the next three to five years:
- The creation of between 300,000 and 500,000 additional jobs across the agricultural value chain.
- Approximately 30% growth in agriculture’s gross value added contribution to the economy.
- He acknowledged that these are ambitious targets, particularly given the significant cost pressures currently facing producers.
- Realising these objectives will require both public and private sector investment and stronger collaboration across the agricultural value chain.
- Future agricultural growth is expected to come partly from the development of of underutilised agricultural land.
- Sihlobo highlighted the importance of industry-led initiatives such as SATI’s bursary programme, training initiatives and transformation projects in supporting future growth and skills development.
- He noted that these programmes align closely with government’s objectives of building capacity and supporting sustainable sector expansion.
- Sihlobo warned that agriculture is operating in an increasingly uncertain global environment characterised by:
- Ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflict.
- Rising input costs.
- Pressure on shipping and logistics systems.
- Slower global economic growth.
- Unpredictability in international trade.
- These factors are contributing to increased business risk and placing pressure on profitability throughout agricultural value chains.
- He highlighted concerns that consumers in many export markets are facing growing financial pressure due to weaker economic growth and rising living costs in many of the regions to which South Africa exports table grapes.
- This could have implications for demand for premium agricultural products, such as table grapes.
- Export industries will therefore need to remain agile and responsive to changing consumer and market dynamics.
- Sihlobo acknowledged the significant impact that logistics inefficiencies, municipal failures and infrastructure constraints continue to have on agricultural competitiveness.
- He noted that South Africa’s ability to grow agricultural exports depends not only on market access but also on efficient ports, transport systems and municipal services.
- While progress has been made in some areas of reform, further improvements are needed to support agriculture’s growth ambitions.
- He highlighted the role of Operation Vulindlela in addressing constraints in network industries and improving economic performance.
- More recently, the programme has expanded its focus to include municipal performance and service delivery challenges.
- While agricultural production levels in many sectors remain strong, Sihlobo noted that higher input costs, logistics expenses and operational inefficiencies are eroding profitability.
- He warned that good harvests alone do not guarantee improved financial outcomes when producers continue to face significant cost escalation.
- Government’s primary role should therefore be to create an enabling environment for business growth.
- Sihlobo acknowledged the severe impact of recent floods on farming communities and warned that climate-related risks are likely to remain a significant challenge.
- He highlighted concerns around recurring drought cycles, water availability and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
- Building resilience will therefore become increasingly important for long-term agricultural sustainability.
- While welcoming improved access to China, Sihlobo cautioned that China should not be viewed as a single solution to South Africa’s export growth ambitions.
- He noted that Chinese consumers may not always be willing to pay the same premiums as consumers in traditional high-value markets such as Europe.
- He also explained that future trade negotiations involve balancing agricultural interests with those of other sectors of the economy.
- Sihlobo emphasised the importance of biosecurity and plant health in maintaining South Africa’s competitiveness in international markets.
- While animal diseases often receive significant attention, he argued that plant health issues and science-based regulatory decisions are equally important for export-oriented industries.
- He highlighted ongoing engagement between industry and government on issues such as chemical registrations and market access requirements to ensure productivity and competitiveness are not unnecessarily compromised.
- Sihlobo concluded by reiterating that agriculture remains one of South Africa’s most important growth sectors.
- However, achieving the sector’s full potential will depend on addressing logistics constraints, improving municipal performance, expanding export opportunities, strengthening biosecurity systems and maintaining close collaboration between industry and government.
- He welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with SATI members and indicated that the concerns raised during the AGM would help inform ongoing discussions within government and the Presidency.
View video clips from Sihlobo’s presentation below:
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