Cebisile Brightness Mthembu
Agricultural Advisor
Mkhondo,Mpumalanga
Summary
Driven by a results-focused approach, I leveraged modern farming technologies at the Department of Correctional Services to significantly enhance farm efficiency. My adeptness in crop management and exceptional teamwork skills have consistently improved operational outcomes. My background also includes strategic contributions to research and development, underscoring my commitment to agricultural advancement and effective problem-solving. Reliable candidate with experience in planting, harvesting and caring for crops. Possesses strong knowledge of soil care, crop rotation and irrigation methods. Offers strong work ethic and works well both independently and as part of team.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Agriculture Intern
Depatment of Correctional Services
08.2023 - Current
- Enhanced farm efficiency through the implementation of modern farming technologies and tools.
- Promoted farm safety by adhering to best practices and participating in regular training sessions.
- Gained hands-on experience working with diverse crops through rotation-based learning opportunities.
- Assisted in budget management for crop inputs, reducing overall costs while maintaining high-quality output levels.
- Improved record-keeping processes for crop production data, enabling better-informed decision-making on the farm operation''s future planning efforts.
- Increased crop yield by implementing innovative irrigation techniques and monitoring soil health.
- Participated in harvest operations, contributing to timely completion of seasonal work goals.
- Developed strong communication skills by presenting research findings at team meetings and conferences.
- Strengthened understanding of agricultural laws and regulations through consistent collaboration with local authorities.
Assistant Agricultural Practitioner
DALRRD
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Getting useful Agricultural information on how well the department can aid farmers through communication and implementation.
- Aiding farmers to get basic agricultural skills and reporting back to the department if farmers have plans for developing local agriculture based on their local needs and potential requests for specific aid from the department.
- Day-to-day interaction with farmers and aiding them in discovering and analyzing their own problems and finding their needs.
- Developing leadership among farmers and helping them recognize groups to solve their problems.
- Simplifying research information of economic and practical importance in ways understandable and useful to farmers.
- Aiding farmers to mobilize and use resources they have and those they need from outside.
- Collecting and transmitting feedback information for solving management problems.
Research Assistant
University of Mpumalanga
02.2022 - 12.2022
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Synthesized complex information into clear summaries to make findings accessible to diverse audiences.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
- Optimized lab equipment usage, significantly reducing operational costs and downtime.
- Conducted literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
- Contributed to development of research proposals, aligning with strategic objectives and securing project approvals.
- Identified and resolved data discrepancies, ensuring highest level of accuracy in research outcomes.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Utilized statistical software for data analysis, generating accurate insights into complex datasets.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
- Translated research findings into actionable recommendations, influencing policy and practice.
- Managed laboratory equipment and resources, ensuring proper maintenance and optimal functionality.
- Maintained open lines of communication with project leads and team members for effective collaboration on common goals.
- Conducted extensive literature reviews to support ongoing research projects, significantly expanding team's knowledge base.
- Troubleshot and resolved equipment and process issues.
- Interpreted laboratory results to provide technical advice to scientists.
- Collaborated with researchers and scientists to design and execute experiments.
- Participated in lab meetings and project presentations.
- Operated and performed preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment and instruments.
- Coordinated and managed laboratory projects and experiments.
- Assisted scientists by collecting and organizing laboratory data.
- Set and oversaw quality assurance guidelines for laboratory work.
- Analyzed results using analytical software and created reports.
- Adhered to laboratory safety procedures to maintain compliance with quality control standards.
- Recorded and analyzed data to produce reports of results.
- Participated in research projects by designing and executing experiments.
Agriculture Work Intergrated Learner
Athole Farm - Department of Agriculture
02.2020 - 12.2021
- Shadowing my mentor and performing farm daily duties such as feeding cattle and sheep, mixing of animal feed, dehorning, castrating, marking, tagging, dipping, dosing and vaccination, soil sampling, setting up field trials for research purposes, data collection, pasture management, planting of animal feed (yellow maize, soya bean, alfalfa and Hay), planning of animal nutrition, record keeping as well as any day-to-day farm activities.
Store Admin Manager
Edgars Stores
12.2008 - 06.2014
- Achieved significant cost savings by renegotiating contracts with key vendors, without compromising service quality.
- Developed and executed marketing strategies that effectively communicated brand values, increasing brand recognition.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Enhanced product quality by instituting rigorous quality control procedures, resulting in fewer customer complaints.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Conducted market research to identify customer needs and adjusted product offerings accordingly, increasing customer satisfaction.
- Managed budget allocations to prioritize spending on high-impact projects, optimizing resource utilization.
- Developed comprehensive risk management plan, minimizing potential disruptions to business operations.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores by overhauling customer service protocols and training staff in customer engagement techniques.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing agile methodologies, leading to more efficient project completion.
- Fostered partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing company's reputation and creating new business opportunities.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Organized professional development programs for staff, leading to improved performance and skill sets.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Implemented customer feedback mechanisms to gather insights, using this information to guide strategic planning and decision-making.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
Education
Master of Science - Agriculture
University of Mpumalanga
Nelspruit, South Africa 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
University of Mpumalanga
Nelspruit, South Africa 04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Acek Academy
Nelspruit, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Crop Management
Organic farming
Harvest Planning
Farm Record Keeping
Crop Rotation
Horticulture Techniques
Post-Harvest Handling
Weather Monitoring
Irrigation Systems
Composting Techniques
Integrated Pest Management
Field Sampling
Crop Planting and Harvesting
Teamwork and Collaboration
Problem-Solving
Time Management
Strong Work Ethic
Excellent Communication
Decision-Making
Self Motivation
Adaptability and Flexibility
Effective Communication
Team Collaboration
Active Listening
Organizational Skills
Crop Irrigation
Crop Harvesting
Team building
Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Disease and Infestation Identification
Effective Multitasking
Professionalism
Reliability
Written Communication
Pest Management
Flexible Schedule
Goal Setting
Soil Fertilization
Pruning and Culling
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
siswati
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
isizulu
Intermediate (B1)
Reading and cooking
I like reading fiction books and trying out new recipes.
Timeline
Agriculture Intern
Depatment of Correctional Services
08.2023 - Current
Assistant Agricultural Practitioner
DALRRD
01.2023 - 07.2023
Research Assistant
University of Mpumalanga
02.2022 - 12.2022
Agriculture Work Intergrated Learner
Athole Farm - Department of Agriculture
02.2020 - 12.2021
Store Admin Manager
Edgars Stores
12.2008 - 06.2014
Master of Science - Agriculture
University of Mpumalanga
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
University of Mpumalanga
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Acek Academy
04.2001 -