Welcome to Agroprocessing

We’ve recently announced that Thebe Investment Corporation acquired the majority shares in BothaRoodt, a fresh produce market agent, but what do we really know about this new avenue? Thus, to shed more light on Thebe Services, we sat down with Mr Mokgethi Tshabalala to find out more about Thebe’s newest venture.

Inside Agroprocessing

Q. What prompted Thebe to venture into the agriculture and fresh produce market?

Thebe has already invested in the food sector through Compass Group SA. But, they wanted to expand their involvement in this sector by introducing emerging farmers into the value chain through training and supplier development programmes.

Q. Tell us more about BothaRoodt.

Established in 1963, BothaRoodt has extensive experience and knowledge in the fresh produce market that has been the basis of growth for the company becoming one of the biggest market agencies in South Africa.  It was cofounded by Dan Botha and Gallie Roodt, whose son Chris Roodt is a current director of BothaRoodt, along with Paul Botha & Pieter Du Toit. In 1994, BothaRoodt acquired Marco Fresh Produce Agent and later launched Green Network Fresh Produce Agent as part of the BothaRoodt Group Companies.

Q. Why did Thebe decide to acquire a stake in BothaRoodt?

BothaRoodt is one of the largest fresh produce agents in South Africa, operating out of the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market. This platform is important to help farmers, especially emerging farmers, access important markets in Southern Africa.

Q. What has it been like to merge these two companies?

BothaRoodt’s experience in the fresh produce market combined with Thebe’s experience in the food sector, through Compass Group SA, will lead to a significant contribution in the food sector in South Africa! Both teams are hard at work to integrate the two companies into one unit – the progress has been encouraging.

Q. What is the vision for BothaRoodt and Agroprocessing?

Our vision is driven by the future of the fresh produce industry, in particular, and South African agriculture. This partnership will be used to demonstrate sustainable models of agricultural transformation while realising the value for all involved.

Q. How will this project lead food security, especially in light of the South African weather?

Food security depends on the astute and targeted use of natural agricultural resources, in a sustainable manner, to ensure consistent and increasing production to meet the increasing demand for food, as populations grow. The experience BothaRoodt has in advising farmers on what, where, and how much to plant for success on the fresh produce market, will contribute significantly to the development of new, informed producers who can meet increasing food demand.

Q. How is this acquisition special?

The deal is the first of its kind. It created the very first large majority black owned fresh produce agent in South Africa.

Q. How will Agroprocessing assist emerging farmers?

The biggest challenge emerging farmers have, is market intelligence, knowing what, when and how to plant in response to the market. This information is not readily available to emerging farmers and as a result, they are unable to compete with large-scale farmers. This information will be made available to assist emerging farmers accordingly.

Q. What message do you have for your employees?

Here’s to the next best thing!