The Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) is pleased to announce the appointment of new members to its Board following the completion of the Ministerial appointment process. The Board's term officially commenced on 1 February 2026.
This announcement coincides with a significant milestone for the organisation. Established in 1926, PPECB celebrates its centenary this year, marking 100 years of service to South Africa's perishable export industry through independent, credible and internationally recognised quality certification, cold chain management and food safety services.
The newly constituted Board reflects a strong balance of continuity and renewal, bringing together experienced leaders from across South Africa's agricultural, agro-processing and marine value chains. Three members, namely Jill Atwood-Palm, Bonga Mavume and Pheladi Tlomatsane, are serving their second term, while the remaining members have been appointed for their first term.
Together, the Board will guide PPECB as it continues to evolve in a changing global trade environment while upholding the values and standards that have defined the organisation for a century.
Anton Kruger - Ministerial Representative (First Term)
Anton Kruger brings extensive executive and stakeholder management experience across agriculture, financial services, broadcasting and education. He served as CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum for 14 years and has held numerous leadership roles across local and international fresh produce structures.
Jill Atwood-Palm - Processed Products (Second Term)
Jill Atwood-Palm is General Manager of the South African Fruit and Vegetable Canners Export Council and Association, with over 25 years' senior executive experience in agro-processing and food manufacturing. She brings strong expertise in global trade, stakeholder engagement and industry advocacy.
Albert Coetzee - Citrus Industry (First Term)
Albert Coetzee is an agricultural economist and Industry Affairs Manager at the Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa. He plays a key role in guiding the citrus industry's response to evolving international sustainability regulations across export markets.
Jacques du Preez - Pome and Stone Fruit Industry (First Term)
Jacques du Preez is General Manager: Trade & Markets at HORTGRO, with more than 20 years' experience in market access and trade in South Africa's agricultural sector. He has proven expertise in negotiating phytosanitary compliance, facilitating new market entry, and maintaining access to strategic export destinations across the globe.
Lindie Stroebel - Subtropical Fruit Industry (First Term)
Lindie Stroebel is a senior agribusiness executive with extensive experience in fresh produce exports, particularly in the global avocado industry. She currently serves as South Africa Country Manager for Mission Produce where she is responsible for establishing and expanding Mission Produce's South African supply footprint.
Michael Vorster - Table Grape Industry (First Term)
Michael Vorster has over 20 years' experience in table grape farming and marketing. He is Chairperson of the Hex Valley Table Grape Association and Vice Chairperson of the South African Table Grape Industry, while remaining actively involved in commercial grape production.
Werner van Rooyen - Pome and Stone Fruit Industry (First Term)
Werner van Rooyen is Chief Operating Officer of the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum with more than 15 years' experience across trade, logistics and industry advocacy. He also serves as a Director of Agri-Hub and Chairperson of the Fruit Industry Value Chain Roundtable Resources Workgroup.
Bonga Mavume - Marine Industry (Second Term)
Bonga Mavume is Founder and Managing Director of Nalitha Fishing Group and has over 20 years' executive management experience in food manufacturing and agriculture. His background includes senior roles at leading South African agri-food companies.
Pheladi Tlomatsane - Citrus Industry (Second Term)
Pheladi Tlomatsane works in Compliance Management at Zebediela Fruits and represents the CGA-GDC. She has more than 15 years' experience and brings strong governance, compliance and marketing expertise to the Board.
As PPECB enters its second century, the organisation remains committed to strengthening South Africa's export competitiveness through innovation, integrity and collaboration. The newly appointed Board will play a critical role in guiding PPECB through the opportunities and challenges of an evolving global trade environment, while ensuring that the organisation continues to deliver trusted assurance services that support sustainable growth across the industries it serves.
For more information on the PPECB Board Members, please visit https://ppecb.com/about/our-team/.