3 minutes with ... Neo Masithela, chairperson of the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa

If you were given R30 million to invest in agriculture, either in new or existing farming activities or in the agriculture value chain, how would you spend it?

In no particular order, and without presenting a complete business plan,

I would expand my current operation by investing in farm infrastructure and buying the latest technological mechanisation. This would need to go hand in hand with retraining my employees.

My second move would be to invest in existing secondary and tertiary value chain businesses related to my primary farming business, with the main aim of facilitating meaningful participation of black people in formal and informal markets marketsm through the agricultural value chain. Lastly, I would work with the universities and the Agricultural Research Council to explore the viability of developing a truly South African seed-breeding company.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given, and who gave it to you?

I still cherish the advice of my late father, Dan Nathane Masithela, which was to lead by example. It may be difficult for you to help someone get out of a pit if you’re both in the same pit. It’s better to first get out of the pit yourself, and then show the other person the way out.

If you were given carte blanche to effect one major change in South Africa tomorrow, how would you use this power?

I would start by finding solutions to poverty within society and disunity amongst South Africans.

What is the one thing that the national COVID-19 lockdown has taught you not to take for granted?

The importance of family, friendship and helping those in need.

What is your favourite South African dish, and who first cooked it for you?

Beef stew with dumplings, as cooked ▪ by my mother, Dikeledi Masithela.