Thobela Guqaza
Maclear
Summary
Experienced agricultural management professional with a proven record in crop management, workforce supervision, and sustainable farming practices. Demonstrated ability to enhance productivity through innovative strategies and effective team leadership. Skilled in project management, safety compliance, and community engagement with a focus on quality control and operational efficiency. Proficient in technology utilization for decision-making and financial record maintenance to ensure profitability.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Facilitator
Lonmax group
Maclear
01.2026 - Current
- Facilitated open discussions, encouraging diverse viewpoints and collaborative problem-solving.
- Fostered a culture of continuous learning, encouraging participants to pursue further development opportunities.
- Boosted employee morale and effectively troubleshot issues to eliminate work flow down time.
Director
Thobela Agri/ Eyaserhamlane Project
Maclear
11.2023 - Current
- Oversaw farm workers, checking jobs done correctly and offering guidance.
- Handled farm operations, planting, cultivating and processing of crops for optimal harvesting.
- Checked and maintained tools and machinery, repairing and replacing to keep operations in good working order.
- Managed crop maintenance including weeding, thinning and pruning for healthy crop growth.
- Adapted farming strategies in response to weather conditions, minimising potential losses.
- Performed manual labour including digging holes and cleaning drains, following healthy and safety guidelines.
- Monitored plant health and soil conditions, applying treatments to prevent disease and pest infestation.
- Recorded detailed farm activity logs, keeping accurate records for compliance and operational analysis.
- Participated in agricultural exhibitions and competitions, showcasing farm produce and innovations.
- Led a team of farmhands, providing training and supervision to optimise productivity.
- Developed crop rotation plans to maximise land use and enhance crop diversity.
- Communicated with buyers to arrange pick-ups or deliveries of produce and tracked shipments to verify accurate delivery.
- Sprayed insecticides over crops to minimise insects damaging produce.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure high-quality seeds, fertilisers, and farming equipment at competitive prices.
- Engaged in community agricultural initiatives, sharing knowledge and resources to support local farmers.
- Organised sales and distribution of farm produce to local markets, ensuring freshness and quality.
- Supervised recruitment, training and performance of agricultural and forestry workers and contractors to maintain high-quality production.
- Utilised GPS and farm management software to track farm activities and improve decision-making.
- Prepared reports on farm activities, productivity, and financial performance for stakeholders.
- Negotiated contracts with buyers, ensuring favourable terms for farm produce sales.
- Maintained financial records, including budgeting and forecasting, to keep operations profitable.
- Collaborated with research institutions on agricultural studies to adopt innovative farming techniques.
- Supervised a team of farm workers, providing training and instruction to improve efficiency.
Production Manager
Crisp Farming
Cape Town
05.2020 - 11.2023
- Assisted in developing crop protection strategies to reduce pest damage.
Supported irrigation planning to facilitate effective water distribution.
Aided with tree manipulation techniques to promote growth and yield.
Participated in harvesting activities to enhance crop output.
Contributed to managing light conditions to boost photosynthesis efficiency.
Helped with pruning tasks to ensure healthy plant development.
Assisted in scheduling fertilisation to improve soil quality.
Coordinated budget management and daily task planning on farms. - Oversaw farm workers, checking jobs done correctly and offering guidance.
- Identified pests, weeds and plants to determine the appropriate selection of pesticides and fertilisers.
- Tracked and recorded information in farm systems for future process reviews and improvements.
- Demonstrated working techniques, practices and optimal safety behaviours to workers, maximising performance and reducing wasteful processes.
- Supervised a team of farm workers, delegating tasks and monitoring performance to achieve operational goals.
- Recorded detailed farm activity logs, keeping accurate records for compliance and operational analysis.
- Oversaw the maintenance and repair of farm machinery and equipment, minimising downtime and increasing efficiency.
- Conducted financial planning and budgeting to manage farm expenses and investments effectively.
- Supervised recruitment, training and performance of agricultural and forestry workers and contractors to maintain high-quality production.
- Maintained farm buildings by regularly cleaning and organising to meet quality standards.
- Implemented sustainable farming practices to increase yield and improve soil health.
- Engaged in community agricultural initiatives, sharing knowledge and resources to support local farmers.
- Utilised GPS and farm management software to track farm activities and improve decision-making.
- Implemented water conservation techniques, including drip irrigation, to reduce waste and lower operating costs.
- Coordinated with agricultural scientists to trial new farming techniques, contributing to industry innovation.
Production Manger
Dutoit Agri
Cape Town
01.2013 - 05.2020
- Oversaw planting, manipulation, and harvesting of crops for optimal yield.
- Implemented light management and pruning techniques to enhance growth.
- Directed crop protection and mitigation strategies to safeguard harvests.
- Managed a workforce of up to 200 individuals to ensure smooth operations.
Store man, First Aid Representative and Driver
Hiload Construction
Cape Town
01.2009 - 02.2010
- Oversaw all equipment, tools, and machinery management, ensuring operational efficiency on site.
- Coordinated procurement and collection of materials required for projects.
- Acted as first aid representative, promoting health and safety standards among team members.
Labourer
Country Fair
Cape Town
11.2008 - 01.2009
- Applied effective cleaning agents and methods for thorough disinfection of hen structures, ensuring compliance with health standards.
Junior Production Manger
G Zero 2 Potato Propagation (PTY) Ltd
- Directed planting and harvesting operations for potato seed and ware targeting fresh market and processing potatoes.
- Supervised quality control measures for potato propagation documentation.
- Coordinated incoming and outgoing loads to ensure efficient operations.
- Led a team of over 65 individuals on sorting machine tasks.
Facilitator
Hiomlani Training and Consulting
- Facilitated agricultural science training for inmates at Voorburg Correctional Services.
Supported the development of practical skills in farming techniques.
Assisted individuals in understanding the fundamentals of crop management.
Education
Diploma - Agribusiness Mangement
ELSENBERG COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Cape Town, WC2020
Higher Certificate - Agriculture Vegetable Production
ELSENBERG COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Cape Town, WC2012
National Senior Certificate - IsiXhosa Home Language, English First Additional, Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation, Agricultural Science, Business Studies, Life Sciences
Hector Peterson EFT
Cape Town, WC2008
Skills
- Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
- Document creation and editing
- Presentation design
- Stock control
- Equipment maintenance
- Team building
- Product ordering
- Quality control
- Crop management
- Project management
- Safety compliance
- Workforce supervision
- Community engagement
- Customer service excellence
- Flexible and adaptable
- Decision making
- Team Leadership
- Effective communication
- Relationship-building
- Computer literacy
- Self-motivation
Languages
isixhosa
First Language
English
Advanced
C1
IsiZulu
Proficient
C2
Afrikaans
Elementary
A2
Sesotho
Intermediate
B1
Personal Information
ID Number: 8501265795087
References
- Mr. Piet Bosman, 0745417117, Excelsior Farm, Technical Advisor Stone Fruit
- Mr. E. Moller, 0839607475, Elsenberg, Lecturer
- Mr. Martin, 0836294008, Hiload Construction, Owner
- Mr. Lefras Oliver, 0274821471, G Zero 2 Potato Propagation, Director
- Mrs. MJ Oliver, 0824915457, G Zero 2 Potato Propagation, Administrator
- Mr. Dian Van Dostalzen, 0823745005, Dutoit Group, Human Resource Manager
Hobbies and interests
- Sport shutting
- Athletics
- Swimming
Timeline
Facilitator
Lonmax group
01.2026 - Current
Director
Thobela Agri/ Eyaserhamlane Project
11.2023 - Current
Production Manager
Crisp Farming
05.2020 - 11.2023
Production Manger
Dutoit Agri
01.2013 - 05.2020
Store man, First Aid Representative and Driver
Hiload Construction
01.2009 - 02.2010
Labourer
Country Fair
11.2008 - 01.2009
Junior Production Manger
G Zero 2 Potato Propagation (PTY) Ltd
Facilitator
Hiomlani Training and Consulting
Diploma - Agribusiness Mangement
ELSENBERG COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Higher Certificate - Agriculture Vegetable Production
ELSENBERG COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
National Senior Certificate - IsiXhosa Home Language, English First Additional, Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation, Agricultural Science, Business Studies, Life Sciences
Hector Peterson EFT