CGA chief executive Boitshoko Ntshabele pays tribute to Justin Chadwick after 25 years at the helm of South African citrus
Justin Chadwick has now officially left the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) offices after leading the South African citrus association for a quarter of a century.
In what his successor Boitshoko Ntshabele described as a “long goodbye”, the end of May was Chadwick’s final official working day at the CGA, bringing an end to the two-month handover period following his retirement.
“For 25 years, Justin led the CGA, transforming it from a fledgling organisation into a powerhouse serving the region’s citrus industry,” said Ntshabele.
”When Justin took on the role of CEO in 1999, the industry was grappling with post-deregulation challenges,” he explained. “There were concerns about the future of research, technical services, and market access.
Ntshabele said at that time, the grower community was fragmented, communication was limited, and reliable funding for essential research was uncertain.
“Through his leadership and collaboration with key growers, he addressed these immediate concerns, securing the statutory levy that ensured critical functions could continue.
“He helped establish key industry institutions that fostered unity and cooperation among growers and stakeholders, including the Citrus Marketing Forum, Variety Focus Groups, and Fruit South Africa,” he outlined.
On the international stage, Chadwick was instrumental in the formation of the World Citrus Organization and the Southern Hemisphere Association of Fresh Fruit Exporters (Shaffe), platforms that have significantly raised the profile of the CGA and the Southern African citrus industry.
Beyond the administrative duties of running a growing organisation, market access remained a central focus throughout Chadwick’s tenure, which led to a broad range of markets becoming available to growers.
Ntshabele said that Chadwick at all times showed tireless work ethics, the ability to tackle difficult challenges, resilience, strategic thinking and a diplomatic approach.
CGA chairman Gerrit van der Merwe presented Chadwick with a certificate establishing the Justin Chadwick Bursary in Agricultural Economics.
This annual bursary will be awarded to final-year undergraduate or postgraduate PDI students in agricultural economics at any accredited South African university.
