business profile*
Speaking power to
SUGAR
I
llovo Sugar SA accounts for around a third of the total sugar industry production in South Africa, making it the largest sugar producer in the country. The industry has undergone seismic challenges in the past few years, and Illovo’s foresight and ability to diversify, has put it on a solid footing in both the domestic and export market. Illovo has not only diversified its product and service offering. It’s about empowering and investing in people. Today, Illovo buys 93% of its sugarcane from local
30
THRIVING SA COMPANIES ARE THOSE WHO’VE SEEN THE FUTURE, AND ACTED UPON IT. ILLOVO SUGAR SA IS ONE SUCH COMPANY. THEY REINVENTED THEMSELVES, DIVERSIFIED THEIR OFFERING, ALL THE WHILE FOSTERING AND SUPPORTING TRANSFORMATION OF THE VITAL SA AGRI-PROCESSING SECTOR, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER
independent farmers. Its land redistribution initiative has resulted in the sale of over half its owned land portfolio – 28 000 hectares – to mainly black people. This has facilitated the establishment of 55 black commercial growers. In addition, Illovo works with 3 000 out-growers, 2 258 of which are small scale farmers. Importantly, it has provided these growers and farmers with extensive, hands-on technical, financial and capacity-building support, with the goal of increasing their yield. This strong focus on, and massive
support for the livelihoods of rural farmers, their families and local communities, is reflective of Illovo’s commitment to investment in rural economies. Mamongae Mohlare is not only the first ever female managing director of Illovo Sugar SA, but the first black female MD to lead a sugar business in the industry. She’s very clear: “We set ourselves the goal of ensuring that everything we do and deliver today will contribute to economic benefits of the rural communities.” Illovo has a long history, embedded in
w w w . t h e r i d g e o n l i n e . c o . z a
