SUMMARY:
The primary function is to increase cane production and ensure the sustainability of SSGs
POSITION INFO:
Operation:Agricultural Operations- SSG Makhathini
Job Title: Extension Manager
Level: DL
Reports To: Land Reform & Small Scale Growers Manager
Context/Scope:
Tongaat Hulett has a proud 131-year history and a strong socio-economic legacy in KwaZulu-Natal province, in South Africa, and into sub-Saharan Africa. Technical operations include the following: -
•Four Sugar Manufacturing mills situated on along the Northcoast of Kwa Zulu Natal stretching from Tongaat through to Empangeni.
•A sugar Refining operations based in South Coast Road Durban
•An animal feeds manufacturing plant situated in Tongaat alongside the Maidstone Sugar Mill.
A technical operations support comprising technical specialist who provide high level support to the operations both in South Africa and foreign operations.
The company's current priority is to improve the overall business performance in the medium to longer term and our objectives are to operate strategically, sustainably, efficiently and profitably. Tongaat Hulett's focus is on re-energizing assets that will be cash-generative, and exploring new customer segments.
Going forward the company is focused on leveraging our value chain, and creating a platform for long-term growth, while maintaining strong relationships with our key stakeholders.
Purpose of Role
The proposed Extension Manager position will take full responsibility to provide extension services to the growers at Mill area level. The primary function is to increase cane production and ensure the sustainability of small scale growers. This is a strategic imperative of the company. The key functions will include ensuring best agronomic practice, cane quality management, cane delivery performance and compliance with legal requirements by growers. In addition a close working relationship with all the key role players involved in the supply chain of growing sugarcane (growers, contractors and communal leadership structures) using appropriate agronomic standards. The small scale growers either farm as individuals or Cooperatives.
Top Accountabilities
•To work and support all stakeholders involved in Mkuze Siding 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.
•To take responsibility for generating annual cane estimates and ensuring that actual cane delivered to the mill does not deviate by more than 5% from the guaranteed estimate.
•To expand the footprint of Extension Services in the communal areas by identifying potential areas for cane development and ensure grower sustainability.
•To fully understand the Sugar Industry dynamics affecting SSG growers (i.e., tariffs, sugar tax, supplementary payment funds, Umthombo retention scheme, industry/ government grant schemes) and their potential impact on the sustainability/ viability of small-scale growers.
•To encourage growers to use Umthombo Ratoon Retention Scheme to keep enough funds aside to buy and apply inputs on time.
•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 hauler allocations. To coordinate cane transport, adhere to allocations and ensure proper communication with the Mill Cane Supply Team.
•To ensure the outcomes of project Sakhinzuzo achieve the government and company objectives. Provide support to the operational head and Project Manager in this regard.
•To keep an accurate operational performance plan broken down annually, monthly and weekly as a fundamental management tool.
•To assist the company in aligning itself with government objectives in rural upliftment in communal areas.
•To have sensitivity towards the socio-political issues surrounding the business environment in which TH SSG operations take place. The knowledge of the role played by the existing Grower Leadership Structures (Mill Cane
Committee) and Traditional Authorities will be of strategic importance.
Qualifications and Experience Required
•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. Communicates effectively and shares information and knowledge using appropriate channels to both individuals and groups. Exceptional written and verbal communication.
•Must be in possession of a valid Driver's License with driving experience
•Outstanding interpersonal skills.
•Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
•Good problem-solving ability.
•Results focus - Demonstrates courage, drive and determination to achieve results
