AgriSETA Welcomes Professor Puffy Soundy as New Board Chairperson

AgriSETA has announced a major leadership transition with the appointment of Professor Puffy Soundy as the new Chairperson of the Accounting Authority, effective 27 January 2026. This marks a new chapter for the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) as it continues to strengthen skills development in South Africa’s agricultural sector.

Professor Soundy succeeds Ms. Stella Mthembu, who served as Interim Chairperson for the past four months, guiding AgriSETA through a critical transitional period. The organization acknowledged her contributions as “invaluable” in maintaining stability and direction during this time.

Professor Soundy is a leading figure in agricultural science, currently heading the Department of Agriculture at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). His appointment brings a unique combination of academic rigor and practical agricultural knowledge to AgriSETA.

Key highlights of Professor Soundy’s background include a PhD in Horticultural Science from the University of Florida, USA, specializations in the agronomy of aromatic and medicinal plants as well as vegetable crops, and core competencies in advanced data analysis, scientific inquiry, and research—skills critical to guiding AgriSETA in a data-driven agricultural economy.

AgriSETA stated, “His diverse skill set and academic leadership are expected to greatly enrich AgriSETA’s vision and mandate.”

For farmers and the broader agricultural sector, this appointment signals a continued commitment to evidence-based research and skills development. As climate change, technology, and market demands reshape the farming landscape, having a Chairperson with expertise in horticultural science ensures that training programs remain scientifically grounded and practically relevant.

Under Professor Soundy’s leadership, AgriSETA aims to bolster academic excellence and advance a clear, strategic vision for sustainable agricultural growth across South Africa. Farmers, students, and stakeholders alike can look forward to innovative initiatives that bridge research, education, and practical farming needs.