Friday, 28 February, 2020
Vinpro
“I am passionate about inclusive agricultural transformation,” she says. In her role as business development manager at Absa Agribusiness (a position she has held since 2015), Dr. Simela currently focuses on policy liaison and the establishment of inclusive finance for the agricultural sector. Among various qualifications, she has a PhD in Animal Science and MPhil in Development Finance.
She has extensive experience in the agricultural sector, is currently vice-chairperson of Agbiz (Agricultural Business Chamber) and also serves on the boards of NERPO (National Emergent Red Meat Producers' Organisation) and SAMIC (South African Meat Industry Company).
“Enterprise development is a core focus area for the wine industry, as is the establishment of a more conducive policy environment. We are excited to have someone with Dr Simela’s expertise joining the Vinpro board and believe that her strategic insights will add significant value to various industry initiatives,” says Vinpro chairman Anton Smuts.
Vinpro represents close to 2 500 South African wine grape producers, cellars and wine-related businesses and provides strategic services and information to the industry.