Ntathu Tlale
Agricultural Economic Advisor
Pietermaritzburg
Summary
Offering solid grasp of economic principles and genuine passion for policy advising, ready to learn and grow in this dynamic role. Contributes strong analytical mindset and ability to quickly grasp complex economic data and trends. Ready to use and develop skills in economic analysis and data interpretation in Agricultural Sector Expert role.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Agricultural Economic Advisor
South African Farmers Development Association
Mount Edgecombe
11.2018 - Current
- Spearheaded project proposal and business plan development for land reform sugarcane growers, securing funding for developmental initiatives
- Supported the launch and execution of cane development and land reform projects funded by the Department of Rural Development & Land Reform
- Crafted and implemented Agro-based Local Economic Development (LED) strategies across six municipalities within the UGU District
- Managed project risks, ensuring contractor performance and stakeholder engagement in cane development projects
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with external partners, including research institutions and private sector organizations, to advance shared objectives.
Projects Officer: Cluster 1
Agribusiness Development Agency
Pietermaritzburg
01.2014 - 10.2018
- Expertly assess applications and evaluate applicant qualifications
- Develop innovative commodity models and partnerships for efficient agricultural support
- Craft precise Terms of Reference and specifications for requisite agricultural services and inputs
- Oversee and assess service providers for agricultural and infrastructure projects
- Ensure diligent monitoring and execution of project agreements with partners
- Lead project management to ensure timely delivery of agricultural support and inputs
- Direct a field team for project implementation across specific geographic regions
- Managed stakeholder expectations through transparent communication and regular progress updates.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments to proactively address potential issues before they escalated into problems.
- Contributed to business development efforts by identifying new opportunities in the project pipeline.
- Established clear project objectives, ensuring successful completion within allocated budgets and deadlines.
Development Officer: Capacity Building
KZN Department of Transport
Pietermaritzburg
02.2011 - 12.2013
- Oversaw efficient training for Vukuzakhe contractor development
- Developed policies and streamlined training for emerging contractors
- Expanded opportunities for youth, women, and disabled in small business
- Managed budgets and assets for 32 Vukuzakhe offices, ensuring growth
Regional Economic Advisor
South African Canegrowers' Association
Mount Edgecombe
04.2004 - 08.2010
- Developed and delivered persuasive business plans to District and Provincial Grants Approval Committees, securing Recapitalization funds for land reform initiatives
- Delivered comprehensive farm business management training and economic advisory services, enhancing the capabilities of land reform beneficiaries
- Conducted in-depth viability assessments, financial projections, and cost analyses for agricultural stakeholders, driving informed decision-making and resource allocation
- Performed meticulous financial analysis, identifying performance trends and risk factors for agricultural enterprises, ensuring data-driven strategy development
- Managed contract administration with precision, ensuring meticulous drafting, adherence to terms, timely escalations, and renewals for agricultural projects
Cane Manager
Masonite (Africa) Ltd
Eston
03.2003 - 03.2004
- Managed 500 Ha sugarcane farm, producing 19,000 tons per 24-month cycle
- Implemented strategies to improve farm operations, ensuring timely and budgeted activities
- Oversaw R2M budget, optimized resources for cane projects, and maintained cost controls
- Led 80 employees, coordinated sales/purchases, and upheld HR policies and discipline
Technology Liaison Officer
South African Sugar Association
Mount Edgecombe
03.2001 - 02.2003
- Led event management for key industry gatherings, boosting stakeholder engagement
- Managed SASTA database and fostered key relationships, ensuring event success
- Provided expert writing and editing for Zulu publications, upholding professional standards
- Delivered educational programs and advocated for youth in agriculture, enhancing community knowledge
Training Coordinator
KZN-Dept of Agriculture & Environmental Affairs
Pietermaritzburg
04.2000 - 02.2001
- Expertly maintained training records to ensure efficient administration of training interventions
- Accurately captured data for all training courses, enhancing tracking and reporting capabilities
- Compiled insightful course statistics and comprehensive reports for management review
- Efficiently prepared and distributed course certificates, demonstrating attention to detail
- Created and managed administrative files for all courses, ensuring organized record-keeping
- Analyzed course evaluations to provide constructive feedback for course improvement
- Conducted thorough training needs analysis to identify and address individual and team skill gaps
- Delivered precise and effective training coordination, both internally and externally, across designated regions
- Fostered strong relationships with facilitators and institutions to streamline training processes
Plant & Quality Officer
National Department of Agriculture
Durban
01.1999 - 03.2000
- Enforced compliance with policies and international agreements to maintain quality standards
- Independently planned and executed rigorous inspection and audit protocols for assignees
- Performed detailed inspections, including sampling, testing, and evaluation of agricultural products, ensuring adherence to marking requirements
- Investigated cases and managed administrative tasks related to plant quality functions
- Prepared and presented comprehensive investigational and quality reports
- Monitored and ensured compliance with Plant Quality Control Regulations through effective process management
Assistant Farm Manager
Illovo Sugar (Pty) Ltd
Sezela
01.1997 - 12.1998
- Spearheaded comprehensive farm management operations, focusing on the cultivation and agronomy of sugarcane, encompassing planting, harvesting, weed control, and ratoon management
- Maintained cutting-edge knowledge of agricultural pests and diseases to ensure optimal crop health
- Directed a workforce of 10 supervisors and drivers, overseeing teams ranging from 8 to 30 individuals, ensuring high performance standards
- Implemented effective employee performance monitoring, providing coaching and corrective guidance as needed
- Facilitated the induction and training of new staff in best agronomic practices
- Successfully project managed multiple initiatives, prioritizing safety while achieving timely completion and adherence to budget constraints
Operations Supervisor
Tongaat-Hulett Sugar Ltd
Umdloti
03.1996 - 12.1996
- Streamlined farm operations to adhere to strict timeframes and budget constraints
- Orchestrated cane maintenance strategies across 44 fields, each averaging 17 hectares
- Directed and monitored key agricultural processes, including planting, weeding, fertilization, and herbicide application for over 40 fields
- Conducted rigorous quality evaluations for all agricultural activities on the estate
- Efficiently allocated resources for each field in alignment with financial planning
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Zulu, Afrikaans, English, Mathematics, Biology, Economics & Biblical
Nyoniyezwe High School
Greytown 01.1990 - 12.1990
National Diploma in Agriculture: Plant Production - Agriculture
Mangosuthu Technikon
Durban 01.1993 - 12.1995
B Tech Degree in Agricultural Management - Agricultural Management
UNISA
Durban 01.2016 - 12.2017
Skills
Communication
Presentation Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Computer Literate
Management Skills
- Report Writing
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 07/25/72
- Nationality: South African
Drivinglicense - Category
08/B
Timeline
Agricultural Economic Advisor
South African Farmers Development Association
11.2018 - Current
B Tech Degree in Agricultural Management - Agricultural Management
UNISA
01.2016 - 12.2017
Projects Officer: Cluster 1
Agribusiness Development Agency
01.2014 - 10.2018
Development Officer: Capacity Building
KZN Department of Transport
02.2011 - 12.2013
Regional Economic Advisor
South African Canegrowers' Association
04.2004 - 08.2010
Cane Manager
Masonite (Africa) Ltd
03.2003 - 03.2004
Technology Liaison Officer
South African Sugar Association
03.2001 - 02.2003
Training Coordinator
KZN-Dept of Agriculture & Environmental Affairs
04.2000 - 02.2001
Plant & Quality Officer
National Department of Agriculture
01.1999 - 03.2000
Assistant Farm Manager
Illovo Sugar (Pty) Ltd
01.1997 - 12.1998
Operations Supervisor
Tongaat-Hulett Sugar Ltd
03.1996 - 12.1996
National Diploma in Agriculture: Plant Production - Agriculture
Mangosuthu Technikon
01.1993 - 12.1995
Some College (No Degree) - Zulu, Afrikaans, English, Mathematics, Biology, Economics & Biblical
Nyoniyezwe High School
01.1990 - 12.1990
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