Extension and Biosecurity

THE EXTENSION SERVICE

One of the main strengths of SASRI is our in-house extension service. A group of around 20 individual Extension Specialists are located throughout the South African sugar industry, offering advice, support and research outcomes to growers.

The SASRI Extension Service plays an integral part in the SASRI Research Programmes by communicating stakeholder needs to SASRI so that an appropriate research programme can be developed. They facilitate effective technology exchange and enable growers to access a wide range of relevant support services.

THE BIOSECURITY SERVICE

The Biosecurity Inspectorate acts together with Local Pest, Disease and Variety Control Committees to prevent or minimise loss and damage caused by pests and diseases by identifying biosecurity hazards and implementing the required procedures to mitigate damage and loss. They ensure that varieties planted in each control area conform to the annual list of cane varieties gazetted for the specific area and also promote industry awareness of biosecurity and biorisk through communication and liaison with all stakeholders, including Government and SADC partners. Find out what varieties are gazetted for your region.

Extension and Biosecurity Staff

David Wilkinson

Acting Extension Manager; Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg

Details

Acting Extension Manager
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg
Tel: 033 503 1818
Cell: 082 654 3549
Email: david.wilkinson@sugar.org.za

Thulani Masondo

SSG & LRG Extension Manager

SASRI, 170 Flanders Dr, Mt Edgecombe

Details

SSG & LRG Extension Manager

SASRI, 170 Flanders Dr, Mt Edgecombe
Tel: 0315087491
Cell: 082 653 3148
Email: thulani.masondo@sugar.org.za

Buhle Khomo

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg

Details

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg
Tel: 039 682 1822
Cell: 082 653 3151
Email: buhle.khomo@sugar.org.za

Sifiso Thwala

Biosecurity Technician

20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg

Details

Biosecurity Technician

20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg
Tel: 039 682 6485
Cell: 060 571 3355
Email: sifiso.thwala@sugar.org.za

Sifiso Hlela

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

North Park Offices, 1st Aloe Loop street, Veld en vlei, Richards Bay

Details

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

North Park Offices, 1st Aloe Loop street, Veld en vlei, Richards Bay
Tel: 082 613 8819
Cell: 082 613 8819
Email: sifiso.hlela@sugar.org.za

Tshifhiwa Radzilani

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni

Details

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni
Tel: 035 772 5871
Cell: 082 653 3150
Email: tshifhiwa.radzilani@sugar.org.za

Jeffrey Foxon

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

House C1, Sycamore Avenue, River View, Mtubatuba

Details

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

House C1, Sycamore Avenue, River View, Mtubatuba
Tel: 035 550 0106
Cell: 083 459 7003
Email: jeffrey.foxon@sugar.org.za

Joe Nkala

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela

Details

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela
Tel: 039 975 1377
Cell: 082 655 0387
Email: joe.nkala@sugar.org.za

Mzomuhle Mnguni

Biosecurity Officer

2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela

Details

Biosecurity Officer

2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela
Tel: 039 975 1149
Cell: 079 453 2124
Email: mzomuhle.mnguni@sugar.org.za

Janet Edmonds

Biosecurity Officer

2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg

Details

Biosecurity Officer

2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg
Tel: 033 503 1818
Cell: 071 334 8122
Email: janet.edmonds@sugar.org.za

Vusumuzi Mntungwa

Biosecurity Officer

Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni

Details

Biosecurity Officer

Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni
Tel: 035 772 5872
Cell: 082 801 3064
Email: vusumuzi.mntungwa@sugar.org.za

Etienne De Beer

Extension Specialist/ P&D Officer

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola

Details

Extension Specialist/ P&D Officer

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola
Tel: 034 413 818
Cell: 083 320 9099
Email: etienne.DeBeer@sugar.org.za

Bongiwe Chonco

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

Sezela Country Club, Club Road, Sezela

Details

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

Sezela Country Club, Club Road, Sezela
Tel: 039 975 1149
Cell: 083 272 3400
Email: Bongiwe.Chonco@sugar.org.za

Norman Mkhabela

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola
Umfolozi Sugar Mill
Mtubatuba

Details

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola
Tel: 060 567 2987
Cell: 083 655 5012

Umfolozi Sugar Mill (Pty) Ltd, Cane Supply Office No 7, Riverview, Mtubatuba,
Tel: 035 550 7730
Cell: 083 655 5012

Email: norman.mkhabela@sugar.org.za

Phinda Mashaba

Biosecurity Technician

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola

Details

Biosecurity Technician

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola
Tel:   060 567 2987 
Cell: 079 458 1428
Email: phinda.mashaba@sugar.org.za

Jan Erasmus

Extension Specialist

MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane

Details

Extension Specialist

MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane
Cell: 0661140656
Email: jan.erasmus@sugar.org.za

Mboniseni Buthelezi

Extension Specialist (SSG, EVA, LRG)

MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane

Details

Extension Specialist

MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane
Tel: 0137234132
Cell: 083 303 6305
Email: mboniseni.buthelezi@sugar.org.za

Karlien Trumpelmann

Biosecurity Officer

Lowveld Pest & Disease Control Office, Mhlati Farm, R570 Road, Malelane

Karlien Trumpelmann

Biosecurity Officer

Lowveld Pest & Disease Control Office:
Mhlati Farm, R570 Road, Malelane

Tel: 066 257 3926
Cell: 083 335 3846
Email: karlien.trumpelmann@sugar.org.za

 

Ruth Rhodes

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

61 Commercial Rd, Gingindlovu

Ruth Rhodes

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

Address: 61 Commercial Rd, Gingindlovu
Tel: 035 337 1593
Cell: 082 655 0358
Email: ruth.rhodes@sugar.org.za

Winile Shelembe

Extension Specialist (EVA, SSG, LRG)

Beaumont Eston Farmers Club, R603 Eston

Winile Shelembe

Extension Specialist (EVA, SSG, LRG)

Address: Beaumont Eston Farmers Club, R603 Eston
Tel: 082 654 3547
Cell: 082 654 3547
Email: winile.shelembe@sugar.org.za

Tulani Velem

Extension Technician: North Coast

Old Main Road,
Umhlali
(next to Coastal Farmers)

Tulani Velem

Extension Technician: North Coast

Old Main Road, Umhlali (next to Coastal Farmers)​

Tel: 081 016 99280
Cell: 083 303 5908
Email: tulani.velem@sugar.org.za

Tracey Campbell

Extension Specialist

Old Main Road,
Umhlali
(next to Coastal Farmers)

Details

Extension Specialist

Old Main Road, Umhlali (next to Coastal Farmers)​
Tel: 081 016 99280
Email: tracey.campbell@sugar.org.za

Paul Botha

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

Beaumont Farmers Club, Eston

Details

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

Beaumont Farmers Club, Eston
Tel: 031 781 2001
Cell: 082 654 3546
Email: paul.botha@sugar.org.za

Maphilisi Zulu

Extension Specialist (Land Reform)

Old Main Road,
Umhlali
(next to Coastal Farmers)

Details

Extension Specialist (Land Reform)

Old Main Road, Umhlali (next to Coastal Farmers)​
Tel: 081 016 99280
Cell: 083 459 7486
Email: maphilisi.Zulu@sugar.org.za

Thobeka Khumalo

Biosecurity Officer: North Coast

Old Main Road,
Umhlali
(next to Coastal Farmers)​

Thobeka Khumalo

Biosecurity Officer

Old Main Road, Umhlali (next to Coastal Farmers)​
Tel: 081 016 99280
Cell: 082 789 9218
Email: thobeka.khumalo@sugar.org.za

Wilan Nieuwenhuizen

Extension Specialist

SASRI Extension Office, RCL Komatipoort Mill, R571 Road, Komatipoort.

Wilan Nieuwenhuizen

Extension Specialist

SASRI Extension Office,
RCL Komatipoort Mill, R571 Road, Komatipoort,

Tel: 013 723 4177
Cell: 067 597 0203
Email: wilan.nieuwenhuizen@sugar.org.za

Mboniseni Buthelezi

Extension Specialist (SSG, EVA, LRG)

MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane

Details

Extension Specialist

MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane
Tel: 0137234132
Cell: 083 303 6305
Email: mboniseni.buthelezi@sugar.org.za

Karlien Trumpelmann

Biosecurity Officer

Lowveld Pest & Disease Control Office, Mhlati Farm, R570 Road, Malelane

Karlien Trumpelmann

Biosecurity Officer

Lowveld Pest & Disease Control Office:
Mhlati Farm, R570 Road, Malelane

Tel: 066 257 3926
Cell: 083 335 3846
Email: karlien.trumpelmann@sugar.org.za

 

Wilan Nieuwenhuizen

Extension Specialist

SASRI Extension Office, RCL Komatipoort Mill, R571 Road, Komatipoort.

Wilan Nieuwenhuizen

Extension Specialist

SASRI Extension Office,
RCL Komatipoort Mill, R571 Road, Komatipoort,

Tel: 013 723 4177
Cell: 067 597 0203
Email: wilan.nieuwenhuizen@sugar.org.za

Buhle Khomo

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg

Details

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg
Tel: 039 682 1822
Cell: 082 653 3151
Email: buhle.khomo@sugar.org.za

Sifiso Thwala

Biosecurity Technician

20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg

Details

Biosecurity Technician

20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg
Tel: 039 682 6485
Cell: 060 571 3355
Email: sifiso.thwala@sugar.org.za

Jan Erasmus

Extension Specialist

MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane

Details

Extension Specialist

MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane
Cell: 0661140656
Email: jan.erasmus@sugar.org.za

Mboniseni Buthelezi

Extension Specialist (SSG, EVA, LRG)

MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane

Details

Extension Specialist

MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane
Tel: 0137234132
Cell: 083 303 6305
Email: mboniseni.buthelezi@sugar.org.za

Karlien Trumpelmann

Biosecurity Officer

Lowveld Pest & Disease Control Office, Mhlati Farm, R570 Road, Malelane

Karlien Trumpelmann

Biosecurity Officer

Lowveld Pest & Disease Control Office:
Mhlati Farm, R570 Road, Malelane

Tel: 066 257 3926
Cell: 083 335 3846
Email: karlien.trumpelmann@sugar.org.za

 

David Wilkinson

Acting Extension Manager; Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg

Details

Acting Extension Manager
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg
Tel: 033 503 1818
Cell: 082 654 3549
Email: david.wilkinson@sugar.org.za

Janet Edmonds

Biosecurity Officer

2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg

Details

Biosecurity Officer

2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg
Tel: 033 503 1818
Cell: 071 334 8122
Email: janet.edmonds@sugar.org.za

Paul Botha

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

Beaumont Farmers Club, Eston

Details

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

Beaumont Farmers Club, Eston
Tel: 031 781 2001
Cell: 082 654 3546
Email: paul.botha@sugar.org.za

Bongiwe Chonco

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

Sezela Country Club, Club Road, Sezela

Details

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

Sezela Country Club, Club Road, Sezela
Tel: 039 975 1149
Cell: 083 272 3400
Email: Bongiwe.Chonco@sugar.org.za

Winile Shelembe

Extension Specialist (EVA, SSG, LRG)

Beaumont Eston Farmers Club, R603 Eston

Winile Shelembe

Extension Specialist (EVA, SSG, LRG)

Address: Beaumont Eston Farmers Club, R603 Eston
Tel: 082 654 3547
Cell: 082 654 3547
Email: winile.shelembe@sugar.org.za

Rowan Stranack

Extension & Biosecurity Manager

Details

Extension & Biosecurity Manager

Tel: 031 508 7400 (Switchboard)
Tel: 031 508 7459 (Direct)
Cell: 083 561 2781
Email: rowan.stranack@sugar.org.za

Role
  • To provide overall strategic management of the risks associated with biosecurity and biosafety in the SA sugar industry.
  • To facilitate, co-ordinate and assist in activities of Local Pest, Disease and Variety Control Committees in their efforts to provide effective bio-security to the industry.
Expertise

Agricultural extension, pest, disease and variety control, environmental management, training and education, soils and soil conservation and sugarcane agronomy.

Specific Interests
  • Establishment of a formal and uniform biosecurity system in the SA sugar industry, led by Local Pest, Disease and Variety Control Committees in conjunction with SASA and SASRI.
  • To facilitate and provide and effective support service to LPD & VCC’s.
  • Development of effective and practical incursion plans to counter the threats to biosecurity.
  • To provide leadership and guidance in the area of stewardship of all resources used by the industry, including natural resources, manufactured inputs as well as the technology produced by SASRI.
Qualifications

B Ag Mgt (Hons) – Natal, Pietermaritzburg.

Thulani Masondo

SSG & LRG Extension Manager

SASRI, 170 Flanders Dr, Mt Edgecombe

Details

SSG & LRG Extension Manager

SASRI, 170 Flanders Dr, Mt Edgecombe
Tel: 0315087491
Cell: 082 653 3148
Email: thulani.masondo@sugar.org.za

Tracey Campbell

Extension Specialist

Old Main Road,
Umhlali
(next to Coastal Farmers)

Details

Extension Specialist

Old Main Road, Umhlali (next to Coastal Farmers)​
Tel: 081 016 99280
Email: tracey.campbell@sugar.org.za

Maphilisi Zulu

Extension Specialist (Land Reform)

Old Main Road,
Umhlali
(next to Coastal Farmers)

Details

Extension Specialist (Land Reform)

Old Main Road, Umhlali (next to Coastal Farmers)​
Tel: 081 016 99280
Cell: 083 459 7486
Email: maphilisi.Zulu@sugar.org.za

Thobeka Khumalo

Biosecurity Officer: North Coast

Old Main Road,
Umhlali
(next to Coastal Farmers)​

Thobeka Khumalo

Biosecurity Officer

Old Main Road, Umhlali (next to Coastal Farmers)​
Tel: 081 016 99280
Cell: 082 789 9218
Email: thobeka.khumalo@sugar.org.za

Tulani Velem

Extension Technician: North Coast

Old Main Road,
Umhlali
(next to Coastal Farmers)

Tulani Velem

Extension Technician: North Coast

Old Main Road, Umhlali (next to Coastal Farmers)​

Tel: 081 016 99280
Cell: 083 303 5908
Email: tulani.velem@sugar.org.za

Etienne De Beer

Extension Specialist/ P&D Officer

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola

Details

Extension Specialist/ P&D Officer

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola
Tel: 034 413 818
Cell: 083 320 9099
Email: etienne.DeBeer@sugar.org.za

Norman Mkhabela

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola
Umfolozi Sugar Mill
Mtubatuba

Details

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola
Tel: 060 567 2987
Cell: 083 655 5012

Umfolozi Sugar Mill (Pty) Ltd, Cane Supply Office No 7, Riverview, Mtubatuba,
Tel: 035 550 7730
Cell: 083 655 5012

Email: norman.mkhabela@sugar.org.za

Phinda Mashaba

Biosecurity Technician

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola

Details

Biosecurity Technician

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola
Tel:   060 567 2987 
Cell: 079 458 1428
Email: phinda.mashaba@sugar.org.za

Joe Nkala

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela

Details

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela
Tel: 039 975 1377
Cell: 082 655 0387
Email: joe.nkala@sugar.org.za

Mzomuhle Mnguni

Biosecurity Officer

2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela

Details

Biosecurity Officer

2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela
Tel: 039 975 1149
Cell: 079 453 2124
Email: mzomuhle.mnguni@sugar.org.za

Bongiwe Chonco

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

Sezela Country Club, Club Road, Sezela

Details

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

Sezela Country Club, Club Road, Sezela
Tel: 039 975 1149
Cell: 083 272 3400
Email: Bongiwe.Chonco@sugar.org.za

Jeffrey Foxon

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

House C1, Sycamore Avenue, River View, Mtubatuba

Details

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

House C1, Sycamore Avenue, River View, Mtubatuba
Tel: 035 550 0106
Cell: 083 459 7003
Email: jeffrey.foxon@sugar.org.za

Norman Mkhabela

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola
Umfolozi Sugar Mill
Mtubatuba

Details

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola
Tel: 060 567 2987
Cell: 083 655 5012

Umfolozi Sugar Mill (Pty) Ltd, Cane Supply Office No 7, Riverview, Mtubatuba,
Tel: 035 550 7730
Cell: 083 655 5012

Email: norman.mkhabela@sugar.org.za

Tshifhiwa Radzilani

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni

Details

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni
Tel: 035 772 5871
Cell: 082 653 3150
Email: tshifhiwa.radzilani@sugar.org.za

Vusumuzi Mntungwa

Biosecurity Officer

Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni

Details

Biosecurity Officer

Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni
Tel: 035 772 5872
Cell: 082 801 3064
Email: vusumuzi.mntungwa@sugar.org.za

Sifiso Hlela

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

North Park Offices, 1st Aloe Loop street, Veld en vlei, Richards Bay

Details

SSG/LRG Extension Specialist

North Park Offices, 1st Aloe Loop street, Veld en vlei, Richards Bay
Tel: 082 613 8819
Cell: 082 613 8819
Email: sifiso.hlela@sugar.org.za

Ruth Rhodes

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

61 Commercial Rd, Gingindlovu

Ruth Rhodes

Extension Specialist / P&D Officer

Address: 61 Commercial Rd, Gingindlovu
Tel: 035 337 1593
Cell: 082 655 0358
Email: ruth.rhodes@sugar.org.za

PESTS AND DISEASES UNDER SURVEILLANCE

There are a number of exotic pests and diseases (not indigenous to South Africa) that present a threat to our industry. Please keep a look out for these threats.

Chilo saccariphagus stalk borer

Not yet in South Africa

Orange Rust

Fall Army Worm

Not in sugarcane

Thank you for helping us keep track of these pests. Call the Biosecurity Hotline on: +27 (0)31 508 7459 or 7544