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Norman Celliers leads AFGRI through an impressive turnaround
Following a tumultuous and challenging period, the AFGRI Group has entered its centennial year restructured, refocused and re-aligned.
AFGRI is one of South Africa’s leading agribusinesses, playing a vital role in enabling food security by supplying a broad range of products and services across the entire agricultural value chain. Over the last 24 months a far-reaching and extensive turnaround programme has been successfully implemented to realign the group around its core focus of partnering meaningfully with those involved in the South African agribusiness industry by delivering tangible value to its clients.
Spearheaded by Norman Celliers, appointed as the Group CEO on 1 March 2021 to assist the shareholders and lenders through a specific mandate of turning the business around, and then leading the group on a sustainable growth path, AFGRI is now beginning to reap the rewards of the intensive restructure. This involved the group having to redefine and refocus on its core business, with a relentless focus – and effort spent – on formulating strategy and organisational re-alignment, including the disposal of non-core assets and restructuring the balance sheet, amongst others.
His unenviable task was to move AFGRI, one of the oldest agribusinesses in sub-Saharan Africa that this year celebrates 100 years of being in business, in a sustainable direction to support the crucially important agribusiness industry. This meant reverting back to the basics that have supported AFGRI for a century – farmers and their farming businesses.
“To say the group has faced tremendous challenges in the past two years, as we navigated through this non-negotiable restructuring in addition to battling those presented by Covid-19, is an understatement, but we are grateful to report that we have made it with the group now well positioned,” says Celliers, who before joining AFGRI was the CEO of the JSE-listed company, Zeder Investments Limited.
As such, he is certainly no stranger to leading or guiding large organisations – at its peak, the Zeder investment portfolio covered an indirect controlling influence over companies representing a combined underlying market capitalisation of more than R40 billion and an indirect underlying employee base of approximately 25,000 people. Having served as the Zeder CEO and chairman or non-executive director of some of South Africa’s leading agri- and food businesses, he is also no stranger to the complexities of the agricultural sector.
“Going back to basics is incredibly important – farming enterprises need to be supported by a multitude of services and products, the scale of which AFGRI has diligently supplied for the past century. This ranges in complexity from grain management and storage facilities, equipment sales and services, retail products, animal feeds and milling, to agricultural financial services and insurance. These core areas of expertise are what we have returned to,” Celliers explains.
This includes, amongst others, being operationally responsible for handling and servicing approximately 5 million tons of the grain value chain in South Africa. AFGRI is also the largest independent John-Deere dealer outside of North America, with operations in Africa and Australia.
The 24-month turnaround project included exiting or selling numerous non-core businesses in South Africa and select African markets. Celliers explains that the proceeds of the sales, restructuring parts of the business, and new strategic lending and banking relationships have assisted in reducing and restructuring debt across the group. “Every part of AFGRI was analysed and assessed in the context of our new strategy and focus. What remains today are operations in South Africa, Australia and select African markets.”
Celliers adds that with the extensive restructuring project now completed, AFGRI is poised to benefit going forward. “Notwithstanding the challenges, the aggressive refocus on the core business has ensured a group turnover that has grown to approximately R20 billion annually with attractive normalised operational profits,” he added.
That is despite its longstanding agri-lending business, UNIGRO, losing the Landbank debtors’ book two years ago as a result of the Landbank taking the book back to manage internally. “We have worked tirelessly to find a solution and are making progress. We are confident that AFGRI will soon be in a position to once again advance credit and reintroduce financial solutions to our core customers.”
Celliers concludes by saying that he is grateful and proud of the commitment shown by the executive team and approximately 5 000 people working at AFGRI. “Today the group is restructured, refocused and realigned not only internally but most importantly externally in respect of our customers, lenders and other stakeholders.
“Significant progress has been made in striving towards being the leading partner to the agricultural value chain, sustainably and sensibly. Our century of experience and agricultural knowledge cannot be underestimated and reverting back to our core focus, without distractions makes for a formidable agricultural support company – we are confident that we are entering the next chapter on a stable footing and are tremendously excited about the prospects that lie ahead.”
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Vodacom URC playoffs ticket sales open at Loftus
The Vodacom Bulls on Tuesday opened their ticket sales for their Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoff match against the Cell C Sharks which will be played at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, June 4. The Tshwane-based side confirmed a home quarterfinal spot when they defeated Welsh side, Ospreys, in a crucial encounter in Swansea at the weekend.
The Vodacom URC on Monday confirmed the championship’s playoff schedule, verifying the kickoff time for the South African derby as 13h45 at Loftus Versfeld.
Supporters will now have the opportunity to purchase their tickets for the decisive encounter as sales opened at 08h00 on Tuesday.
The Vodacom Bulls, who have for the past few Vodacom URC matches, have had some of the cheapest tickets to a rugby match. The side has kept their commitment to their faithful supporters by continuing with the sale of tickets from as little as R25 for the match.
Blue Bulls Company CEO, Edgar Rathbone, confirmed the opening of ticket sales: “We have had widespread interest and queries about our sale of tickets for the all-important Vodacom URC quarterfinal against the Cell C Sharks. We are happy to now confirm to our supporters that tickets are now available for purchase for that game scheduled for next week Saturday.
“In our effort to thank our supporters for their backing over the past two years, which have been very hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we had slashed our ticket prices to make them some of the most affordable. We remain committed in ensuring that our fans have affordable access to premier rugby, and, as such, we will continue to have our tickets starting at a low cost of R25.
“We are proud of our director of rugby, Jake White, his coaching staff and players for their hard work in getting the Vodacom Bulls to this point. At the start of the season, it would have been hard to imagine that the side would reach this stage. However, the team remained focused, committed and had no doubts regarding the success they could gain and the targets they had set. We wish them well.”
In accordance with government regulations, as per the Government Gazette, stadiums are at this stage permitted to accommodate 50% of their capacity, and this will be the case for the Vodacom URC quarterfinal.
Tickets are available for sale at the Loftus Versfeld ticket office and online at bulls.ticketpro.co.za.
WARNING: Fake rugby tickets on circuit
The South African rugby fraternity is cautioning rugby lovers about purchasing fake match-day tickets from fraudulent websites that have no rights to sell any rugby tickets in SA.
SA Rugby, franchises and unions have received numerous queries and complaints recently about dubious websites, such as Viagogo, who have been unlawfully selling tickets for as much as up to 400% of the selling price for the authentic tickets sold on reputable websites or the official ticket offices.
Not only is this fraudulent activity hampering the economic status of the SA rugby fraternity that is still trying to recover from the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is further concern for the swindling of unsuspecting lovers of the game of rugby.
It is advisable that any fans who would like to purchase tickets to do so via the unions’ official channels.
SA RUGBY WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION: Blue Bulls Women wary of dangerous Boland Dames
The Blue Bulls Women will be in action this weekend when they take on Boland Dames in an SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division clash at the Boland Stadium in Wellington.
The women from Tshwane have enjoyed a good start to their campaign, claiming three consecutive victories, with the most recent being a 21-13 win over Cell C Sharks Women last weekend, which ensured that they remained unbeaten thus far. The Boland Dames will be looking to bounce back after suffering a 32-15 defeat to defending champions, Border Ladies, in a clash in Mdantsane last Sunday.
The Blue Bulls Women will go into the fixture wary of the dangers posed by the fifth-placed Boland side and will be hoping to improve from the misfortunes from the previous season which saw this weekend’s home side claiming a double, winning both encounters in 2021 – a 23-19 win in Pretoria and a 21-0 victory in Wellington.
The match will kick-off at 13h00 on Saturday.
The Blue Bulls Women’s team to face Boland Dames is:
STARTERS (15-1):
Nonnie Shongwe, Kirsten Eastes, Daphne Scheepers, Lynn Subke, Elizabeth Jansen van Rensburg, Rumandi Potgieter, Vuyolwethu Vazi, Thandeka Shongwe, Kyla de Vries, Anathi Qolo, Sibonelo Letsela, Zandile Khumalo, Thantaswa Macingwane, Lebogang Ralebona.
IMPACT (16-23):
Tyler-Jane Coleman, Doreen Mkhabela, Thulisile Bukula, Feranah Burger, Nthabiseng Marutla, Mahlatse Nkhumishe, Seshile Maguga, Layla Arrison.
VODACOM URC: Brutal scrum battle expected against Ospreys in crucial Vodacom URC clash
The Vodacom Bulls expect a tough battle when they face Ospreys in a crucial encounter in Swansea on Friday night. While the South African side will be hoping that a win will put them in a good position for a potential home quarter-final, the Welshmen will also have plenty to play for – to claim the Welsh Shield ahead of rivals, Scarlets, will be a priority.
The Vodacom Bulls, among other areas of play, have pin-pointed the scrums, where Ospreys have proven to be potent, as an area that will be hotly contested, believes the side’s in-form loosehead prop, Gerhard Steenekamp.
“They have a very good pack, and we have done our preparation for what lies ahead,” said the 25-year-old front-rower.
“So, we must just ensure we bring out our best this weekend, and that’s all we can do – to give our best.”
Steenekamp also acknowledged the importance of having former Scarlets and Vodacom Bulls legend, Werner Kruger, as part of the team’s coaching personnel. The retired prop’s knowledge of Welsh rugby and scrums has proven invaluable for the Vodacom Bulls.
“It’s (scrums) one aspect of the game that we’ve really worked hard on, and I think it’s because we have a pack that’s played longer together – so we are also getting our rhythm,” said Steenekamp.
“It really helps a lot having someone like Werner Kruger in our camp. He recently played in Wales, so he knows their mindset. All that insight and knowledge helps, and our scrum is something we have really worked on.”
The match will be played at the Swansea.com Stadium, kicking off at 21h10 (SA time) and it will be televised on SuperSport.
The Vodacom Bulls will later today announce their match-day squad for the encounter.
VODACOM URC: Strong 28-man Vodacom Bulls squad for Ospreys clash
A 28-man Vodacom Bulls squad will be preparing for their crucial Vodacom United Rugby Championship against Ospreys in Swansea this week. Although a playoff spot has already been secured, the Tshwane-based side travels to Wales where they will want to put themselves in a good position for a potential home quarter-final spot, depending on permutations of other exciting fixtures this weekend, should they secure a victory in their final round-robin match on Friday night.
Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, has selected a strong group for the one-week tour which includes one of the side’s newest recruits, Ruan Vermaak, who joined the side late last week from Japanese team, NTT Red Hurricanes.
“We have an important tour where we will face a dangerous Ospreys team in their own backyard. We are at a crucial stage of the competition – the business end of the round-robin stages and on the verge of the playoffs, with plenty to play for in terms of securing home quarter-final spots,” said White.
“Be that as it may, the focus is on playing well as a group this week and to start building good momentum going into the playoffs.”
The match will be played at the Swansea.com (Liberty) Stadium, kicking off at 21h10 on Friday.
The Vodacom Bulls 28-man touring squad is:
FORWARDS (16):
Arno Botha, Bismarck du Plessis, Cyle Brink, Dylan Smith, Elrigh Louw, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Janko Swanepoel, Johan Grobbelaar, Marcell Coetzee (CAPT), Mornay Smith, Robert Hunt, Ruan Nortje, Ruan Vermaak, Simphiwe Matanzima, Walt Steenkamp.
BACKS (12):
Canan Moodie, Chris Smith, Cornal Hendricks, David Kriel, Embrose Papier, Harold Vorster, Juan Mostert, Keagan Johannes, Madosh Tambwe, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Stedman Gans, Zak Burger
Vodacom Bulls secure star Springbok S’busiso Nkosi!
The Vodacom Bulls confirmed yesterday that they have made a key inclusion to their player resource with the signing of Springbok winger, S’busiso Nkosi. The 2019 World Cup-winning star is set to join the side from Tshwane-based side from July 1, where he will be set to make a positive contribution to the team when they kick-off their second season in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship which will begin in the second half of the year.
“We are obviously delighted to have a player of Sbu Nkosi’s calibre joining our ranks at the Vodacom Bulls,” said Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.
“He is a proven quality player who is respected internationally based on his track record for the Cell C Sharks and on the international stage for the Springboks. To be able to secure the services of a World Cup-winning player will be a big boost for us. We are confident that we have plenty to gain from Nkosi where he will contribute alongside some of our senior players and also be able to impart his knowledge and experience onto our young talent, whom I am convinced will be eager to learn from him.”
The 26-year-old Nkosi was born in the Mpumalanga town of Barberton and completed his schooling at Jeppe High School for Boys.
In 2016 the elusive winger was part of the Junior Springbok team that finished fourth at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Manchester, England. He then went on to represent the Cell C Sharks, making over 60 appearances for the coastal side before signing for the Vodacom Bulls.
Nkosi has represented the Springboks since 2018, earning a total of 16 caps so far.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Vodacom Bulls, where I will play alongside some of the most exciting talent in the country while working under some of the globally respected coaches,” responded Nkosi.
“I have had some of my best years at the Cell C Sharks where I also became a Springbok. I think I have served my time and contributed what I could at the franchise. I am most grateful to the Cell C Sharks – the coaches, players and staff – for some of the most memorable years in Durban and the support given to me. Of course, the fans have always been a big part of my career. Without their support I would never have enjoyed my time over the years as I have done.
“I now have an opportunity for a fresh start in Tshwane, where I hope to make a positive impact and give my best in the effort to assist the Vodacom Bulls remaining a force in South African rugby and also becoming one of the top rugby sides globally.”
Nkosi will join the Vodacom Bulls at the conclusion of the current Vodacom United Rugby Championship season and will officially become part of the team on July 1.
CARLING CURRIE CUP: Vodacom Bulls fully focused on Sigma Lions Carling Currie Cup clash
The Vodacom Bulls are fully focused on their upcoming Carling Currie Cup fixture against cross-Jukskei rivals, the Sigma Lions, when the two sides meet at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
With the side from Tshwane having cemented a spot in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoffs, and also holding a commanding position in the Carling Currie Cup, which is also nearing the knockout stages, much talk in the public has been around the team being on the verge of playing playoff matches in two competitions.
However, Vodacom Bulls’ lock, Janko Swanepoel, stressed that his side was fully focused on this weekend’s domestic derby despite the team having to travel to Swansea in Wales next week for a crucial Vodacom URC encounter against Ospreys.
“All the focus is on the Sigma Lions this week, because every game in the Carling Currie Cup is important for us, just to keep that top spot on the log,” said Swanepoel ahead of Saturday’s game.
“We take it game for game, and after the Sigma Lions, then we will start focusing on the Ospreys game.”
The Vodacom Bulls are on the back of an important 48-38 win over the Windhoek Draught Griquas last weekend at home. Despite the bonus-point win, the side had a few lessons to take from the game, including not letting their guard down before the final whistle.
“So, for us, it is important to focus for the full 80 minutes. We need to begin like we did against Windhoek Draught Griquas last week and just stick to that. We are chasing the full 80 minutes this weekend against the Sigma Lions,” said the Vodacom Bulls lock.
The opposition for this weekend may not have had the best of results so far this season, but the 22-year-old Swanepoel believes that does not take away the danger posed by the side from Johannesburg when they square up.
“We cannot take the Lions lightly,” said the second-rower.
“We saw how they played last week. They almost beat the Toyota Cheetahs (losing 35-26). It was just the discipline that cost them in the final few minutes of the second half.
“So, we must just prepare for a tough game, and you can never know what might happen.”
Swanepoel has been an instrumental figure in the Vodacom Bulls team this season – both in the Carling Currie Cup, where he has featured as one of the frontline players and in the Vodacom URC, where he has often provided cover for the evergreen duo of Ruan Nortje and Walt Steenkamp.
He will once again prove to be a crucial cog in the Blue Machine forwards pack when they take on their Jukskei rivals.
The Vodacom Bulls will name their team for the match on Friday.
The match will kick off at 17h00 on Saturday and it will be televised on SuperSport.