Our Team

Lihle Sibongile Ngwane has distinguished herself as a preeminent figure in agricultural advisement and development, with over five years of dedicated service in enhancing the agricultural sector, particularly within the rural communities of uMhlabuyalingana local municipality. Her profound expertise in agricultural practices has been pivotal in the development and implementation of projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of local agricultural producers through strategic development initiatives and the dissemination of crucial market trends and commodity information.

In 2013, Lihle's academic endeavours were recognized with a distinction and a certificate of merit, marking her as the top student in her agricultural advisory course. This early accolade set the stage for her to forge essential institutional relationships among Local Government, the Private Sector, and external Government Departments, facilitating effective service delivery and robust support for the agriculture sector.

As an executive member of Puno Agro Foods, Lihle contributes her extensive experience in agribusiness and agro-processing. She offers invaluable advice and training to farmers on organic farming methods and on adding value to various agricultural products. Beyond advisory roles, Lihle is an adept farmer and nursery owner, specializing in the cultivation of indigenous fruit trees, succulents, flowers, herbs, as well as a variety of vegetables, groundnuts, and grains. Her expertise in propagation and transplantation significantly enhances the biodiversity and sustainability of agricultural practices.

Lihle’s influence extends beyond her immediate professional sphere. She serves as a national coordinator for several educational projects throughout South Africa, working with various sectors to improve the education system since 2013. Her extensive experience has made her an exceptional facilitator in support programs for learners and educators alike. Furthermore, Lihle is a co-founder of the Ikusasalethu Education Project (NGO) and the Rural 2 Rural Career Awareness non-profit organization, underscoring her commitment to community development and empowerment.

In addition to her agricultural expertise, Lihle has recently been certified as competent in conducting outcomes-based assessments, having successfully completed the Unit Standard 115753 (NQF Level 5, 15 credits) through QSS Holdings. This certification enhances her ability to facilitate learning and assessment processes effectively, further strengthening her role in training and development within the agricultural and educational sectors.

Lihle Ngwane is a registered member of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).

Thabang Phala is a business developer, community development practitioner, and sustainable agriculture advocate with over 15 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and rural development. As the Chairperson of Bakone Development Agency, he leads efforts in socio-economic empowerment, agricultural development, and sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities. Through the Bakone Sustainable Livelihoods Initiative, he has been instrumental in supporting smallholder farmers, promoting agro-processing enterprises, and developing market linkages for rural agricultural producers.

In addition to his work in agriculture and livelihoods, Thabang has extensive experience in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and market analysis. He served as Project Manager for two major projects awarded to BizM8 by the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) in 2023:
- Development of a Market and Stakeholder Analysis and Review of Communication Environment Report
- Development of a Three-Year Communications Strategy and Implementation Plan for Climate Action and Just Transition
- Thabang is also a technical advisor and fundraising expert, having successfully secured funding for high-impact programs in youth development, climate resilience, and agribusiness growth. His expertise in strategic planning, agro-processing value chains, and food security initiatives has positioned him as a key player in transforming agriculture into a vehicle for economic empowerment.