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

Rowan Stranack

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
SASRI, 170 Flanders Dr, Mt Edgecombe

Details
SSG & LRG Extension Manager
SASRI, 170 Flanders Dr, Mt Edgecombe
Tel:Â 0315087491
Cell: 082Â 653 3148
Email:Â thulani.masondo@sugar.org.za

Buhle Khomo
20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg

Details
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer
20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg
Tel:Â 039 682 1822
Cell: 082 653 3151
Email:Â buhle.khomo@sugar.org.za

Sifiso Thwala
20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg

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

Sifiso Hlela
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:Â 082 613 8819
Cell: 082 613 8819
Email:Â sifiso.hlela@sugar.org.za

David Gillespie
6162 Commercial Rd, Gingindlovu

Details
Biosecurity Technician
6162 Commercial Rd, Gingindlovu
Tel:Â 035 337 1593
Cell: 083 661 0025
Email:Â david.gillespie@sugar.org.za

Tshifhiwa Radzilani
Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni

Details
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer
Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni
Tel:Â 035 772 5871
Cell: 082 653 3150
Email:Â tshifhiwa.radzilani@sugar.org.za

Jeffrey Foxon
House C1, Sycamore Avenue, River View, Mtubatuba

Details
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer
House C1, Sycamore Avenue, River View, Mtubatuba
Tel:Â 035 550 0106
Cell: 083Â 459 7003
Email:Â jeffrey.foxon@sugar.org.za

Joe Nkala
2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela

Details
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer
2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela
Tel:Â 039 975 1377
Cell: 082 655 0387
Email:Â joe.nkala@sugar.org.za

Mzomuhle Mnguni
2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela

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

Janet Edmonds
2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg

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

William Gillespie
1 Old Main Road, The Workstation, Umhlali

Details
SSG Extension Specialist
1 Old Main Road, The Workstation, Umhlali
Tel: 031 508 7386
Cell: 082 655 0356
Email:Â william.gillespie@sugar.org.za

Vusumuzi Mntungwa
Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni

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

Etienne De Beer
Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola

Details
Extension Specialist/ P&D Officer
Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola
Tel:Â 034 413 818
Cell: 083 320 9099
Email:Â etienne.DeBeer@sugar.org.za

Bongiwe Chonco
Sezela Country Club, Club Road, Sezela

Details
SSG/LRG Extension Specialist
Sezela Country Club, Club Road, Sezela
Tel:Â 039 975 1149
Cell: 083Â 272 3400
Email:Â Bongiwe.Chonco@sugar.org.za

Norman Mkhabela
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:Â norman.mkhabela@sugar.org.za

Phinda Mashaba
Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola

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

Jan Erasmus
MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane

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

Marius Adendorff
RCL Komatipoort Mill, Squamans Farm, Road R571,Komatipoort

Details
Komati: Extension Specialist / P&D Officer Malelane: P&D Officer
RCL Komatipoort Mill, Squamans Farm, Road R571,Komatipoort
Tel: 083Â 655 5011
Email:Â marius.adendorff@sugar.org.za

Mboniseni Buthelezi
MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane

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

Karlien Trumpelmann
R570 road, Malelane

Details
Biosecurity Officer
R570 road, Malelane
Tel:Â 013 790 0356
Cell: 083 335 3846
Email:Â trumpelmannk@tsb.co.za

Ruth Rhodes
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
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
SASRI, 170 Flanders Dr, Mt Edgecombe

Tulani Velem
Extension & Biosecurity Support Officer
Address: SASRI, 170 Flanders Dr, Mt Edgecombe
Tel: 0315087411
Cell: 083 303 5908
Email: tulani.velem@sugar.org.za

David Wilkinson
2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg

Details
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer
2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg
Tel:Â 033 503 1818
Cell: 082 654 3549
Email: david.wilkinson@sugar.org.za

Paul Botha
Beaumont Farmers Club, Eston

Details
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer
Beaumont Farmers Club, Eston
Tel:Â 031 781 2001
Cell: 082 654 3546
Email:Â paul.botha@sugar.org.za

Maphilisi Zulu
1 Old Main Road, The Workstation, Umhlali

Details
Extension Specialist (Land Reform)
1 Old Main Road, The Workstation, Umhlali
Tel:Â 032 947 1410
Cell: 083 459 7486
Email:Â maphilisi.Zulu@sugar.org.za

Thobeka Khumalo
1 Old Main Road, The Workstation, Umhlali

Thobeka Khumalo
Biosecurity Officer
Tel: 032 947 1410
Cell:Â 082 789 9218
Email: thobeka.khumalo@sugar.org.za

Jan Erasmus
MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane

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

Marius Adendorff
RCL Komatipoort Mill, Squamans Farm, Road R571,Komatipoort

Details
Komati: Extension Specialist / P&D Officer Malelane: P&D Officer
RCL Komatipoort Mill, Squamans Farm, Road R571,Komatipoort
Tel: 083Â 655 5011
Email:Â marius.adendorff@sugar.org.za

Mboniseni Buthelezi
MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane

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

Karlien Trumpelmann
R570 road, Malelane

Details
Biosecurity Officer
R570 road, Malelane
Tel:Â 013 790 0356
Cell: 083 335 3846
Email:Â trumpelmannk@tsb.co.za

Buhle Khomo
20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg

Details
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer
20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg
Tel:Â 039 682 1822
Cell: 082 653 3151
Email:Â buhle.khomo@sugar.org.za

Sifiso Thwala
20 Range Rd, Oslo beach, Marburg

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

Jan Erasmus
MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane

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

Marius Adendorff
RCL Komatipoort Mill, Squamans Farm, Road R571,Komatipoort

Details
Komati: Extension Specialist / P&D Officer Malelane: P&D Officer
RCL Komatipoort Mill, Squamans Farm, Road R571,Komatipoort
Tel: 083Â 655 5011
Email:Â marius.adendorff@sugar.org.za

Mboniseni Buthelezi
MCGA Building, Mhlati Farm 170 JU, Malelane

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

Karlien Trumpelmann
R570 road, Malelane

Details
Biosecurity Officer
R570 road, Malelane
Tel:Â 013 790 0356
Cell: 083 335 3846
Email:Â trumpelmannk@tsb.co.za

David Wilkinson
2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg

Details
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer
2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg
Tel:Â 033 503 1818
Cell: 082 654 3549
Email: david.wilkinson@sugar.org.za

Janet Edmonds
2 Fairview Drive, Wartburg

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

William Gillespie
1 Old Main Road, The Workstation, Umhlali

Details
SSG Extension Specialist
1 Old Main Road, The Workstation, Umhlali
Tel: 031 508 7386
Cell: 082 655 0356
Email:Â william.gillespie@sugar.org.za

Paul Botha
Beaumont Farmers Club, Eston

Details
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer
Beaumont Farmers Club, Eston
Tel:Â 031 781 2001
Cell: 082 654 3546
Email:Â paul.botha@sugar.org.za

Bongiwe Chonco
Sezela Country Club, Club Road, Sezela

Details
SSG/LRG Extension Specialist
Sezela Country Club, Club Road, Sezela
Tel:Â 039 975 1149
Cell: 083Â 272 3400
Email:Â Bongiwe.Chonco@sugar.org.za

Winile Shelembe
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

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
SASRI, 170 Flanders Dr, Mt Edgecombe

Details
SSG & LRG Extension Manager
SASRI, 170 Flanders Dr, Mt Edgecombe
Tel:Â 0315087491
Cell: 082Â 653 3148
Email:Â thulani.masondo@sugar.org.za

Tulani Velem
SASRI, 170 Flanders Dr, Mt Edgecombe

Tulani Velem
Extension & Biosecurity Support Officer
Address: SASRI, 170 Flanders Dr, Mt Edgecombe
Tel: 0315087411
Cell: 083 303 5908
Email: tulani.velem@sugar.org.za

Vacant
Unit No. 1, Lali Park, Old Main Road, Umhlali

Details
Extension Specialist
Unit No. 1, Lali Park, Old Main Road, Umhlali
Tel:Â 032 947 1410
Email:Â vacant@sugar.org.za

Maphilisi Zulu
1 Old Main Road, The Workstation, Umhlali

Details
Extension Specialist (Land Reform)
1 Old Main Road, The Workstation, Umhlali
Tel:Â 032 947 1410
Cell: 083 459 7486
Email:Â maphilisi.Zulu@sugar.org.za

William Gillespie
1 Old Main Road, The Workstation, Umhlali

Details
SSG Extension Specialist
1 Old Main Road, The Workstation, Umhlali
Tel: 031 508 7386
Cell: 082 655 0356
Email:Â william.gillespie@sugar.org.za

Thobeka Khumalo
1 Old Main Road, The Workstation, Umhlali

Thobeka Khumalo
Biosecurity Officer
Tel: 032 947 1410
Cell:Â 082 789 9218
Email: thobeka.khumalo@sugar.org.za

Etienne De Beer
Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola

Details
Extension Specialist/ P&D Officer
Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola
Tel:Â 034 413 818
Cell: 083 320 9099
Email:Â etienne.DeBeer@sugar.org.za

Norman Mkhabela
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:Â norman.mkhabela@sugar.org.za

Phinda Mashaba
Agrihub, 53 Klasie Havenga Street, Pongola

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

Joe Nkala
2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela

Details
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer
2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela
Tel:Â 039 975 1377
Cell: 082 655 0387
Email:Â joe.nkala@sugar.org.za

Mzomuhle Mnguni
2 Smuts Avenue, Sezela

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

Bongiwe Chonco
Sezela Country Club, Club Road, Sezela

Details
SSG/LRG Extension Specialist
Sezela Country Club, Club Road, Sezela
Tel:Â 039 975 1149
Cell: 083Â 272 3400
Email:Â Bongiwe.Chonco@sugar.org.za

Jeffrey Foxon
House C1, Sycamore Avenue, River View, Mtubatuba

Details
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer
House C1, Sycamore Avenue, River View, Mtubatuba
Tel:Â 035 550 0106
Cell: 083Â 459 7003
Email:Â jeffrey.foxon@sugar.org.za

Norman Mkhabela
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:Â norman.mkhabela@sugar.org.za

Tshifhiwa Radzilani
Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni

Details
Extension Specialist / P&D Officer
Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni
Tel:Â 035 772 5871
Cell: 082 653 3150
Email:Â tshifhiwa.radzilani@sugar.org.za

Vusumuzi Mntungwa
Mimosa Court, 13 Turnbull Street, Empangeni

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

Sifiso Hlela
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:Â 082 613 8819
Cell: 082 613 8819
Email:Â sifiso.hlela@sugar.org.za

David Gillespie
6162 Commercial Rd, Gingindlovu

Details
Biosecurity Technician
6162 Commercial Rd, Gingindlovu
Tel:Â 035 337 1593
Cell: 083 661 0025
Email:Â david.gillespie@sugar.org.za

Ruth Rhodes
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
