Fort Hare students at (Agbiz) Congress

Two Fort Hare students were among the top graduate students selected by the Agriculture Chamber of Business (Agbiz) to take part in the Student Case Competition at the Agbiz congress which was held on the 25-26 of August in Somerset, Western Cape. Lunga Njara and Simbongile Mgidi, from the university’s department of Agricultural Economics and Extension were part of the select group from five other South African universities. This year’s event had representatives from University of Fort Hare, University of Stellenbosch, North West University, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, University of Free State and the University of Pretoria.

Based on the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) standards, participants were tasked to look at the case of the outbreak of Citrus Black Spot which threatens a possible ban of the South African Citrus Industry from exporting to the European Union. Within limited time, teams had to address the case, identify challenges, create a business sense, find solutions and provide strategic guidance.

The Fort Hare duo managed to clinch some prizes despite not being able to make it to the final round with Sibongile voted amongst the top four outstanding students and Lunga going home with the best team work effort award. “The competition provided us with a unique opportunity to showcase our abilities and talent. Furthermore, the congress provided us with an ideal opportunity to build networks and contacts in the agribusiness environment, which has immeasurable value. We have surely used this opportunity to determine our future in the industry”, said Mgidi

“This was an insightful congress we thank the students developer Mr. Sbu Ncengwa and Prof Ajuruchukwu Obi for introducing us to this event that opened doors for us in Agribusiness”, said Lunga

The success of the Student Case Competition speaks for itself," says Lindie Stroebel, Manager Economic Intelligence at Agbiz and organiser of the competition. "Some of the most talented students who were involved in the Student Case Competition at the Agbiz Congress held in previous years, were recruited by agribusinesses and industry organisations  on completion of their studies.”