Dr Joyce Chitja

of the African Centre for Food Security (ACFS) in the School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES) at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), has been appointed deputy chairperson of the board of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC ) for a threeyear term.

Chitja has been an ARC board member for two terms. This is her third term where she will serve in this new role. She said she is honoured to be appointed to this new role.

She sees her position as a serious responsibility as the ARC is a state-owned entity responsible for agricultural research and for upholding food security in the country, in every sphere of agriculture. Chitja’s responsibilities will involve supporting the strategic goals of the ARC, while also filling a second role as chair of the ARC’s Research, Development and Evaluation Committee.

UKZN Vice Chancellor, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, issued a statement to the university community congratulating Chitja on her appointment. He said: “The Agricultural Research Council plays a vital role in supporting the agricultural sector and conducts research with partners, develops human capital and fosters innovation in support of the sector. Dr Chitja’s experience as an agricultural scientist and food security expert with a rich understating of agriculture in South Africa especially the challenges facing the small-scale farming sector, will no doubt be of great value to the ARC Board.”