Land Reform and Community Dynamics Manager

Job Title:Land reform and community dynamics Manager

Grade: DL

Reports To: Land Reformand Small-Scale GrowersManager

Main Purpose of the job:

The primary role of the Land reform and community dynamics Manager is to take complete responsibility for delivering extension services to land reform and restitution growers across various mill catchments. This involves helping growers implement best agricultural practices (BMPs), enhancing cane production, and training them on cane quality to ensure the sustainability of their operations. Additionally, the Manager will foster strong relationships with key stakeholders in the sugarcane supply chain, including growers, contractors, and industry organizations such as SASRI, SAFDA, and Cane Growers, by adhering to appropriate agronomic standards. These land reform growers operate on freehold land, either as families, trusts, or Communal Property Associations (CPAs).

Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships

• To work and support all stakeholders involved in Maidstone Operations, thus ensuring a well-coordinated cane delivery to the Mill.
• To lead and manage the Extension Services cost centre with a focus on people and vehicle costs.
• Provide Agronomic advice in cane growing ensuring best agronomic practice to the small-scale growers.
• Oversee all other land reform and restitution growers delivering to Amatikulu and Maidstone Mills.
• Offer agronomic advice to ensure best practices in cane growing among land reform and restitution growers.
• Encourage growers to use the Umthombo Retention Scheme to secure funds for timely application of ratoon management inputs.
• Facilitate the introduction of new and suitable cane varieties in collaboration with SASRI and the local P&D team to promote new seed bed areas.
• Promote the replanting of farm areas with low yield per hectare.
• Lead the back-to-basics approach in agronomy, including soil sampling for nutrient requirements, proper land preparation before planting, and weed control to enhance vertical growth.
• Encourage the implementation of ripening programs to improve RV.
• To facilitate the introduction of new& appropriate cane varieties by working with SASRI& CRDU Seed Cane Department to promote new seed bed areas.
• To ensure that planned cane development projects are implemented timeously per appropriate agronomic conditions prevailing at the time, and within allocated budget.
• To lead the back to basic principle of Agronomy, which includes soil sampling to determine crop nutrients required, correct land preparation before planting and weed control to promote vertical growth.
• To monitor and manage contractor performance to improve cane quality through reducing burn harvest to crush delays (BHTCD) and haulier allocations. To coordinate cane transport, adhere to allocations and ensure proper communication with the Mill Cane Supply Team.
• Oversee weekly cane deliveries to maintain performance levels above mill expectations.
• Promote Financial Prudence Among Growers. Advocate for growers to participate in the Umthombo ratoon retention scheme. This will help them set aside sufficient funds to purchase and apply necessary inputs timely, thereby maintaining their crop's health and productivity.
• Understanding the role played by the existing Grower Leadership Structures is crucial for strategic planning and decision-making.

Qualifications& Experience:

• A tertiary qualification in Agricultural Management or equivalent and a Senior Certificate in Sugarcane from SASRI.
• More than 5 years of work experience in Sugar Industry, of which two years must have been spent in sugarcane agriculture.
• Must be able to communicate both in English and isiZulu
• Must be in possession of a valid Driver's License with driving experience.

Required Competencies

• Outstanding interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good problem-solving ability.
• Results focus – Demonstrates courage, drive and determination to achieve results.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

Closing Date: 17.06.2026