9 / 33
9
chapter 5
Yes, that is how far the legend of South African agriculturists has already
spread in Africa.
And then the big party of the evening – complete with South Africa’s version
of Vanessa Maye, a blonde from the City of Gold who stirred up the hand-
picked guests in the Fanie Ferreira Hall so cheerfully that Bully Botma later in-
stinctively started playing the piano on the table. Really an outstanding bash.
Now the great challenge lies ahead: To get the different horses to pull this
grain wagon together.
While I’m on the topic: Manie knows that from the beginning NAMPO was
the amalgamation vehicle for unification and Japie Grobler was the logical
choice for Chairperson, but wouldn't it have been advisable to caucus a bit
beforehand and make sure that, as a gesture of goodwill, one of the other
grain leaders was at least second in command?
Please understand me clearly. It is not about Bully Botma as such at all.
Manie has the greatest respect for him as a person and a leader. And he
did not elect himself to be Vice-chairperson, after all. It was a democratic
decision, and by an absolute majority too. But wouldn’t a wheat man in the
second position, for example, have sent out a much stronger message of
unity and coalition?
In any event, Manie has no doubt that the new management will work their
fingers to the bone to give every industry its moment in the sun and allow
the team to push ahead in the interests of grain producers.
The expertise, enthusiasm and people material are there. The faith is there
– the repeated references to producers’ dependence on the Great Sower
bear testimony to this.
The leadership to allow the NGPO to reach across southern Africa is there.
With the ever positive Japie Grobler at the helm, it is hoped that this baby
will walk before it can crawl, shout before it can talk.
All the best, friends!
Landbouweekblad
will join you in this scrum.
By the way, if Manie understands correctly, the name National Grain Produc-
ers Organisation (NGPO) will be temporary until the NGPO’s first full Congress,
after which a name will be discussed again. What about Grain SA – particularly
if we want our influence to stretch across the country’s borders too in future?
Suggestions please!
Election of Executive
The following persons were elected as members of the Executive by Congress:
• Region 1: KA Starke
• Region 2: JA du Plessis
• Region 3: JA Barnard
• Region 4: FJH Pretorius
• Region 5: DJN Mathews
• Region 6: PJA Meiring
• Region 7: H Otto
• Region 8: VD Mouton
• Region 9: AJ Cronje
• Region 10: GL Roos
• Region 11: CCC Arnoldi
• Region 12: PJ Schoeman
• Region 13: CK Ferreira
The first Chairperson of Grain SA, Mr Ja-
pie Grobler, alongside the organisation’s
approved logo in April 2000.