Article
SECTOR LEADS ON INCLUSION: LAUNCH OF THE AGRI DEIB PEER LEARNING AND NETWORKING FORUM
Published: 05/11/2025
The
agricultural sector has taken a bold step forward with the launch of the
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Peer Support & Learning
Network – the first initiative of its kind in the industry.
On 19 September 2025, representatives from
about 8 companies gathered for the inaugural session of this industry peer
forum, convened under the leadership of AGBIZ. The forum provides a
collaborative platform for HR, DEIB, and transformation professionals across
the agricultural value chain to share knowledge, co-create solutions, and
strengthen resilience in the face of sector challenges such as scarce technical
skills, workforce transformation pressures, and rural inclusion.
KEY TRENDS SHAPING THE WORLD OF WORK
At the launch, Trevonica Naidu,
Executive Head: Human Capital Experience at VKB Group, shared insights on
trends shaping the future of work in agriculture. These included the growing
importance of disability inclusion and tackling unconscious bias - issues that
carry unique dimensions in rural and agricultural contexts.
Trevonica Naidu encouraged participants
to envision what true inclusion in agriculture could look like by 2030, and to
identify collective actions that can move the sector closer to that goa. The
forum stressed that DEIB leadership must be embedded across all management
levels, with accountability measures such as unconscious bias training. It also
highlighted the importance of bridging generational diversity by combining the
experience of senior professionals with the innovation of younger entrants
A SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION
The energy in the room was unmistakable.
Attendees expressed excitement about the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and
share best practices across organisations. As a first step, the forum resolved
to identify two priority trends and build the capacity of its members around
these focus areas. This will lay the foundation for collective impact and
stronger sector-wide transformation efforts. The agricultural industry’s vision
as outlined in the AAMP is clear regarding transformation. However, this
journey must begin by industry participants fully buying into the vision and
opening the door to collaboration rather than competition. Embracing DEIB in
the workplace will ensure that there are champions driving the larger national
goal of the sector and this initiative by Agbiz paves the way for
transformational leadership in the agricultural value chain.
AN INDUSTRY FIRST
The creation of this peer forum marks a
significant milestone for agriculture. By fostering inclusivity, talent
pipeline development, and policy engagement, the network is poised to amplify
the sector’s voice on DEIB matters. (I am excited
about this decision to focus on DEIB in the agricultural sector. Considering
the important and prominent role that agriculture plays in South Africa’s
economy and the opportunity to address socioeconomic issues, it is commendable
that Agbiz has taken this bold and forward-looking step. At a time when many
nations are tending towards more nationalistic and exclusionary dispositions,
choosing to sustain the pursuit of DEIB truly resonates with the spirit of
ubuntu and with being South African. I look forward to contributing going
forward.)
As the independent convener, Agbiz
ensures the network remains a safe, neutral, and trusted space for exchange.
And for VKB, which together with AGBIZ, championed this inaugural event, it is
an accolade that reflects both AGBIZ’s and VKB’s commitment to leading
transformation and building an equitable, resilient future for agriculture.
By Thapelo Machaba, Agbiz and Trevonica
Naidu, VKB