The South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO) is proud to introduce its newly elected leadership team, who will guide the organic and agroecological movement into its next chapter. Bakhusele Mathupha steps into the role of Chairperson, Sandile Mathenjwa takes on the position of Vice Chairperson, and Tandi Hopa joins as Secretariat. Together, they bring fresh energy, a shared vision, and a deep commitment to strengthening South Africa’s organic and agroecology community.
Bakhusele brings extensive experience in sustainable farming and rural development, grounded in his work as founder of Phawu AgriPak in Willowvale, Eastern Cape. With over a decade dedicated to agroecology, permaculture, and climate-smart farming, he has mentored emerging farmers, advanced food security initiatives, and collaborated on policy efforts aimed at building equitable agricultural systems.
Our new Chairperson, Bakhusele Mathupha, expresses his enthusiasm and optimism for the future: “Dear friends and colleagues, I am feeling very excited for the journey ahead as SAOSO Chair. Together we can inspire change and nurture growth.”
Vice Chairperson Sandile Mathenjwa emphasises the importance of collective action and national reach. He says: “I’m excited to step into this leadership role and am committed to working collaboratively to achieve our goals and support our farmers. I am looking forward to assisting in setting up and supporting SAOSO structures across the length and breadth of our country, which are necessary to ensure that at every level organic farmers’ voices are heard.”
Secretariat Tandi Hopa brings a powerful, justice-centred perspective to her role. As she shares, “Agroecology is not only a farming practice to me; it is a pathway to justice, resilience and sovereignty.” She also reminds us of the deeper message embedded in each act of cultivation: “Every seed I plant is a protest. A protest against hunger, against inequality, against a system that forgot its people.”
Tandi’s leadership is rooted in her long-standing work in community development, food sovereignty and grassroots organising. As founder of Green Riverbend Programs and Riverbend Farming Enterprises, she has led initiatives that strengthen local food systems, amplify marginalised voices, and connect community realities to national and global policy dialogues, including G20 forums.
With aligned purpose and renewed momentum, SAOSO’s leadership team is ready to deepen collaboration within the sector, support all our farmers, and grow a thriving organic agroecological future for South Africa.