CLEMENT NKOSENHLE NDWENI
East London
Summary
Results-driven Production Manager with 8 years in controlled environment agriculture, focusing on high-technology greenhouse operations across South Africa and the United States. Expertise in climate control, fertigation, irrigation management, and integrated pest management. Led teams to optimise crop performance and maintain production quality, aiming to leverage greenhouse production expertise in commercial floriculture.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Production Manager/Head Grower
Blueberry Hills Farm
Eastern Cape
05.2025 - Current
- Oversee 13 hectares of commercial hydroponic bell pepper production within climate-controlled greenhouse standards.
- Direct automated fertigation and irrigation systems to drive nutrient and water efficiency.
- Lead daily crop monitoring, focusing on plant health, uniformity, and fruit quality.
- Implement biological IPM and data-based corrective actions for pest and disease control.
- Supervise and mentor assistant growers and production staff to ensure consistent crop care and operational excellence.
- Integrate modern growing practices inspired by international greenhouse standards.
Crop Production Manager
Injabulo Farming
Barberton, Mpumalanga
01.2020 - 12.2024
- Oversaw intensive crop production programmes for hydroponic and open-field cultivation.
- Coordinated propagation, transplanting, irrigation schedules, and crop nutrition planning.
- Directed staff training for safety, quality standards, and equipment operation.
Flower horticulturist - CEA
KurtWeiss Greenhouses
Pennsylvania
04.2017 - 04.2018
- As part of the production team worked with large-scale 10+ acre high-tech greenhouse facilities across international locations with global exposure.
- Worked with fertigation and environmental system operations to sustain crop balance and output.
- Directed pH and climate monitoring across production zones to maintain consistent growing conditions.
- Worked with biological and chemical IPM programmes to protect crop health and meet yield targets.
- Represented teams with adaptability, technical accuracy, and reliable work ethic internationally.
Grower - NFT Hydroponic System
Living Leaves
Krugersdorp
06.2015 - 04.2017
- Owned management of a 7-hectare NFT hydroponic system growing lettuce and leafy greens.
- Directed nutrient and fertigation decisions to maintain crop growth targets.
- Oversaw system efficiency by setting calibration schedules and reviewing water quality.
- Led crop trials and tracked performance metrics to guide yield improvement.
- Drove IPM and sanitation standards to protect system hygiene and stability.
Horticulturist (Experiential Work)
City of Tshwane
Pretoria
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Coordinated greenhouse and nursery operations in propagation, irrigation, and pest management to optimise plant health.
- Managed planting schedules and irrigation system maintenance while monitoring quality to ensure optimal growth conditions.
Education
Higher National Diploma - Horticutlture
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria01-2014
B-Tech - Horticulture
Tshwane University of Technology
Pretoria01-2016
National Senior Certificate -
KwaMhola Secondary School
Barberton01-2009
Skills
- CEA and greenhouse management
- Hydroponics proficient
- Fertigation strategies
- Nutrient management systems
- EC/pH analysis
- Climate operations management
- Temperature and humidity balance
- Water quality assurance
- Pest management integration
- Biological control programs
- Propagation and transplanting practices
- Crop establishment and scheduling
- yield optimization techniques
- Post-harvest handling processes
- Leadership and team supervision
- Training initiatives for staff
- Continuous improvement methodologies
Languages
English
Mandarin Chinese
Spanish
Custom
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) & Greenhouse Management, Hydroponic Systems (NFT & Substrate-Based Drip Irrigation), Fertigation Planning, Nutrient Formulation & EC/pH Monitoring, Climate Operations: Ventilation, Temperature & Humidity Balance, Water Quality, Treatment & Recirculation Management, Integrated Pest & Disease Management (Biological & Chemical Programs), Propagation, Transplanting & Crop Establishment, Crop Scheduling, Monitoring & Yield Optimization, Post-Harvest Handling & Quality Management, Global Greenhouse Operations (South Africa & USA), Team Leadership, Training & Supervision, Sustainable Resource Management & Continuous Improvement, Production Planning, Compliance & Data Reporting
Certification
Pest Control Operator
Timeline
Production Manager/Head Grower
Blueberry Hills Farm
05.2025 - Current
Crop Production Manager
Injabulo Farming
01.2020 - 12.2024
Flower horticulturist - CEA
KurtWeiss Greenhouses
04.2017 - 04.2018
Grower - NFT Hydroponic System
Living Leaves
06.2015 - 04.2017
Horticulturist (Experiential Work)
City of Tshwane
01.2014 - 12.2014
Higher National Diploma - Horticutlture
Tshwane University of Technology
B-Tech - Horticulture
Tshwane University of Technology
National Senior Certificate -
KwaMhola Secondary School