Amy-Lee holds a BCom Honors degree alongside certificate programmes in Agriculture. Her work experience spans across employment with the Drakenstein Municipality, the Department of Agriculture Western Cape and Hortgro. In the various roles she was responsible for community development, transformation and economic development.

She is knowledgeable about the transformation in the deciduous fruit industry of South Africa, and was specifically involved in the economic development programme for black deciduous fruit businesses.

Saadick, is a qualified Associate General Accountant AGA (SA), registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). He completed his articles at Mazars, gaining valuable experience in audit, tax and financial reporting across a range of industries.

With a strong focus on the agricultural sector, he offers practical financial insights tailored to the unique challenges faced by farmers and agri-businesses. His key strengths include financial reporting, budgeting, compliance, financial modelling, and restructuring — all aimed at improving operational efficiency and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Qualified as a Horticulturist and holds a Masters degree in Agriculture from the University of Stellenbosch. He has worked in agricultural research, retail and development. Lectured in Horticulture and Environmental studies. The latter part of career was slanted towards the public sector and spent the last four and half years as CEO of a state-owned entity responsible for agriculture and economic development programmes. The goal is to strive for development and sustainability in endeavours and creating partnerships aimed at augmenting initiatives. An outdoor person who enjoys nature, sports and reading.

Highly experienced CEO and Non-Executive Director with an extensive background in the agricultural sector, focusing on agro-investment, governance, and industry transformation. Proven track record in financial oversight, risk management, and driving strategic initiatives that promote economic empowerment and sustainability. Demonstrated expertise in providing leadership for complex organisations, particularly within finance and agricultural development. Known for guiding Boards through regulatory landscapes, fostering inclusivity, and delivering measurable results in financial governance and transformation. He serves on various Boards in the private and public sector including the TerraSan Group (Pty) Ltd., Citrus Growers Association (CGA) Development Company, South Africa Wine (Pty) Ltd and River BioScience (Pty) Ltd.

Rico Basson is a transformative leader who has been at the helm of South Africa Wine since its establishment on 1 June 2023. Tasked with steering the organisation and shaping the future of the South African wine industry, Rico ensures that the sector’s strategic vision is crafted in detail and successfully executed. His work aligns organisational objectives with the broader ambitions of an industry that balances tradition with innovation.

Rico’s leadership is marked by a dynamic approach to collaboration. He works alongside a dedicated team and key partners to advance sustainable development and long-term prosperity. His role demands sharp strategic insight and hands-on involvement in projects, ensuring they are delivered efficiently while driving meaningful progress for the industry.

Before leading South Africa Wine, Rico served as the Managing Director of Vinpro for over a decade, during which he redefined the organisation and its subsidiaries. With a background in commercial banking, specialising in agriculture and wine, he applied his financial acumen and industry knowledge to establish a comprehensive strategic framework for the wine and brandy sectors, setting clear goals through to 2025. His efforts have reshaped the industry’s trajectory locally and internationally through sound advocacy and practical solutions.

With a career defined by purpose-driven action and a deep understanding of agriculture and wine production complexities, Rico is recognised as a key architect of the South African wine industry’s modern identity and vision for the future.

Louis started his career in 1980 as a cost accountant. In 1998 he joined the Deciduous Fruit Producers Trust (DFPT) as Financial Manager. He became the General Manager of HORTGRO (which evolved out of the DFPT in 2008) a role he occupied until his retirement in December 2024. He played a prominent role in navigating the business through an ever-changing and dynamic operating environment.

Since retirement he continues to share his expertise and contributing to industry development and transformation initiatives through his involvement in various capacities in industry structures.

He currently serves as a Director/Trustee/Advisor/Consultant of a number of industry structures and private entities in the pursuit of contributing to sustainable businesses in the sector.