CCARDESA Secretariat

Management and Leadership: Cliff is the Executive Director of CCARDESA. He is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary expert with specializations in agriculture, biodiversity, forestry, climate change, development finance, environmental law, sustainable development, business administration and business leadership and management (1993-date). Cliff has held several technical and executive leadership positions in Eswatini, Zambia, South Africa and Botswana where he has interacted with the Board, staff, multi-stakeholders, partners and funders. He comes with 30 years of strategy development and execution. Professor Dlamini is a well-established international expert and consultant in forestry, climate change, agriculture, environmental law, biodiversity, sustainable development and development finance.

Academic and Professional: Academically, he holds the following mix of nine (9) university degrees: a Ph.D. Forestry (Stellenbosch, RSA), M.Sc. Sustainable Development (Sussex, UK), MPhil. Environmental Law (UCT, RSA), Executive MBA (Quantic, USA), Master of Development Finance (Stellenbosch, RSA), MSc. Forest Science (Stellenbosch, RSA), MPhil in Applied Business Leadership and Management (UCAM, Spain), B.Sc. Hons Forest Science (Stellenbosch, RSA), and B.Sc. Agriculture (UNISWA). Further, Cliff is finalizing his Doctorate in Management (studying liquid biofuels and the green and circular economies in South Africa). In addition, he was appointed Associate Professor Extraordinary at the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) in 2022, where he had served as research fellow since 2014. Cliff has attained the status of Chartered Development Finance Analyst (CDFA) with the Chartered Institute of Development Finance (CIDEF). Dlamini was offered appointment to the rank of Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Natural Resources, Department of Range and Forest Sciences, at the Botswana University of Agriculture (BUAN) in April 2024. Dlamini has just been appointed Professor Extraordinarius at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences with the University of South Africa (UNISA) in October 2024. Professor Dlamini has massive research experience in agriculture, biodiversity, forestry, development finance, environmental law, sustainable development, business administration and business leadership.

 Professor Dlamini’s vision for CCARDESA and the SADC region: Dlamini aims to contribute to developing innovative strategies that will overcome all hurdles and challenges that threaten to halt agriculture transformation in the present for the benefit of future generations. His plan is to achieve his ambitions and aspirations through harnessing both scientific and grassroots innovations throughout the SADC region. The driving force being enhanced collaboration and partnerships amongst all key stakeholders from various sectors that affect the agriculture sector and livelihoods.

Jerome Queste serves as the Resource Mobilization and Partnership Specialist. Jerome has a unique scientific profile, holding both a degree in applied mathematics from the École Polytechnique and a doctorate in Sociology. He also possesses two additional master's degrees in information systems and strategic management of organizations.

After beginning his career in IT in San Francisco, he joined CIRAD in 2002 to develop the research institute's e-learning infrastructure. He subsequently expanded his focus to include research on multi-stakeholder dialogue, participatory innovation, and knowledge management, leading him to pursue a research career.

His research has centered on learning, consultation, and participatory approaches.

This interdisciplinary positioning has enabled him to explore a wide range of topics, including natural resource management, organic matter recycling and soil fertility, water management, biodiversity, forest restoration, animal disease epidemiology, export value chains, innovation systems, and, more recently, seed circulation. Most of his research career has been spent in the Indian Ocean region, encompassing Madagascar, Réunion, Bhutan, and Thailand.

Dedicated to using social and environmental sciences to make the world a better place, Jerome previously led the Forests and Biodiversity research platform from 2018 to 2023. In this role, he coordinated a growing number of partners around concrete, financed research and development activities.

Dr Majola Mabuza is an Agricultural Economist with a PhD in Agricultural Economics (University of KwaZulu-Natal), an MSc in Agricultural Economics (University of Zimbabwe), Master of Agriculture in Food Security (University of KwaZulu-Natal), a BSc in Agriculture majoring in Agricultural Economics and Management, and a Diploma in Agriculture (University of Eswatini).

He started his career as an Agricultural Economist with the Ministry of Agriculture in the Kingdom of Eswatini in 1999 where he was mainly responsible for the agricultural sector’s rolling development plans and managing the Ministry’s capital programme. He served under the Planning and Budgeting Unit, M&E Unit and the National Early Warning Unit, working with various agencies and development partners, including IFAD, JICA, EU, and FAO. In 2008, he joined the University of Eswatini as a Lecturer in Agricultural Economics and later the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa as a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Agricultural Economics and Extension department. At NWU, he also led the Food Affordability and Accessibility sub-programme under the Food Security and Safety Niche Area. Before joining CCARDESA, Dr Mabuza was employed by the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU), a regional civil society organisation, as a Programme Officer responsible for policy and the organisation’s climate change programme. His prime responsibility was the coordination of a donor-funded regional programme on promoting the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture in Southern Africa.

With a career spanning over 20 years across the public sector, research and academia, and civil society, Dr Mabuza has gained vast experience in national and regional-level partnerships building and managing stakeholder relations, strategy development, programme/project development, budgeting, resource mobilisation, programme/project management, grant management, monitoring and evaluation, research and training, team building, and policy advocacy. He has worked with and provided leadership to multinational and multicultural teams.

A former Research Fellow with the United Nations University, Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS) and Post-doctoral Research Fellow with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Mabuza has produced journal publications and conference papers on various agricultural development subjects. He currently serves as a reviewer for several accredited journals and has supervised Postgraduate research in Agricultural Economics.

Dr. Baitsi Kingsley Podisi is the CAADP-XP4 Regional Programme Coordinator. He holds a PhD and an MSc in animal breeding and genetics, a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a BSc in general agriculture. Podisi has over 28 years of experience at national and regional level in the agricultural research and development sector. He has the overall responsibility with the technical implementation of the CAADP-XP4 programme in terms of its coordination, planning, stakeholder engagement, execution and reporting. He also serves as the Regional Coordinator for the SADC Sub-Regional Focal Point for the management of farm animal genetic resources.

Previously he served at CCARDESA as the Research & Advisory Services Thematic Coordinator (RASC) from 2013- until 2020. The RASC role entailed coordinating the performance of agricultural research and advisory service projects as well as developing initiatives for investment, concept notes, conducting relevant training; analysing and sharing lessons and experiences in agricultural R&D systems in the region. He contributed to diverse regional projects/ initiatives on crops and livestock, technology development, dissemination, climate smart agriculture and on resource mobilisation. 

Before joining CCARDESA he had worked at the Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) in the Ministry of Agriculture in Gaborone, Botswana from 1992 -2013 where he progressed up to the position of Principal Research Officer. At DAR, he coordinated a national program on the management of farm animal genetic resources from 1998 to 2007 and was the team leader for a national program on beef cattle performance recording and evaluation.  His professional interests include gene mapping, breed performance evaluation, genetic characterization and conservation of farm animal genetic resources, climate change, livestock biotechnologies and fostering partnerships in agricultural research and development. He has served in national and international assignments in matters related to animal production, biodiversity, bio-safety and conservation of genetic resources including R&D institutional reform. He possesses versatile skills for programme development and management, broad understanding of regional agricultural development issues, networking and communication with wide audiences.

Mrs Maruping is a Fellow Certified Professional Accountant (FCPA), a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of Botswana.

Mrs. Lerang Maruping is a seasoned professional with core expertise in financial management, audit, risk management, resource mobilization, project management and administration. She has over 18 years of diverse experience in the finance and administration industry across the SADC region, of which 13 years has been dedicated to working with various regional organizations including SADC and CCARDESA at current. She has serviced a diverse portfolio of International Development Organization funded projects, amongst others – European Union (EU), African Development Bank (AfDB), German Development Agency (GIZ) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).  As the founder of Ethnicity Consult, she is passionate about social and economic development issues. Ms Lephole began her career with Deloitte & Touché and gained extensive audit and assurance experience in various sectors being banking & finance, insurance, mining, hospitality and manufacturing. She was notably part of the Financial Institutions Special Team (FIST), a portfolio encompassing the central bank, commercial banks, pension funds and development corporations, amongst others.

Mr Simon Mukuze is a Financial management Specialist with over fifteen years post qualification work experience in areas of Audit, Financial Reporting, finance, and consulting. He has worked both in public practice and in industry and commerce were he acquired extensive practical experience in diverse industry sectors including insurance, mining, manufacturing, and NGOs. Mr Mukuze has worked in Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of du Congo, and Botswana.

Mr Mukuze holds an Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science degree from the University of South Africa, an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the National University of Science and Technology of Zimbabwe, a Diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), United Kingdom, an Advanced Certificate in Auditing from Accounting Professional Training of South Africa, and a Certificate in Theory of Accounting (CTA) from Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe . He is a Registered Public Auditor and Accountant with Public Accountants & Auditors Board Zimbabwe (PAAB), a fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), United Kingdom, fellow Chartered Accountant with the Botswana Institution of Chartered Accountants, a Chartered Accountant (CA) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe.  He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Leadership with the University of South Africa and an MPhil in Development Finance with Stellenbosch University South Africa.

Dr. Barthlomew Chataika is a dedicated and result-oriented professional with high esteem for contributing to agricultural research for development (AR4D). He has over 15years of work and consultancy experience in the agricultural sector. Dr. Chataika holds a Ph.D in Agriculture majoring in Plant Breeding and Genetics, Master of Science Degree in Agronomy (Plant Breeding), a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Crop Science), and a Diploma in Agriculture. His Ph.D. dissertation has a bias towards the nutraceutical breeding of indigenous vegetables and has published several peer reviewed articles in high impact journals. He also holds several professional qualifications, including Marker-Assisted Plant Breeding, Next-Generation Sequencing, International Certification in Project Management, Fundraising and Resource Mobilization, Project Implementation Management, Demand-Led Plant Breeding, Data Management and Analysis, Cooperative Leadership, and Testing of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). Dr. Chataika has worked with several agricultural institutions including National NGOs, International Research Institutions, Government Projects, Donor funded projects, and Farmer Associations & Cooperatives. He worked for two CGIARs (IITA and CIAT), implementing agricultural research for development (AR4D) projects, supporting resource mobilization initiatives, generation, and dissemination of agricultural technologies, including climates smart agricultural (CSA) technologies; and capacity strengthening of the SADC agricultural institutions. He has also worked with Farmer Associations/Cooperatives, donor-funded projects, and the Accademia as a Lecturer.

Ms. Futhi Magagula is a result oriented and dedicated professional with 24-year experience in the field of forestry, agriculture, environment, biodiversity and climate change gained from the public service and intergovernmental organizations. Ms Magagula holds a Master's in Natural Resource Management and Postgraduate Diploma in Forest Science from the The University of Melbourne (Australia), B.Sc in Forestry from Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania) and a Diploma in Forestry from Zimbabwe College of Forestry (Zimbabwe). She joined the CCARDESA Secretariat in March 2015. Currently, she is the CAADP-XP4 Programme Officer tasked with implementing a four-year project funded by the EU and administered by IFAD, targeting 7 countries in the SADC region. Previously, she served as the APPSA Programme Officer for five years where she implemented a World Bank funded project targeting 5 countries in the SADC region. Ms. Magagula previously worked for the Eswatini government where she carried out various government activities, implemented multidisciplinary projects funded by FAO, the EU, IFAD, GEF and GIZ before she joined the CCARDESA Secretariat. Through these initiatives, she has gained enormous experience in working with the public sector, private sector, civil society, donor partners to deliver numerous donor-funded projects at national and regional level.

Bridget Kakuwa holds a Master’s in communication for Development (MCD), Bachelor of Arts in Library & Information Science (BALIS), Diploma in Secondary School Teaching in French & Civic Education and Certificate in Diplomatic Practice, Protocol & Public Relations. Bridget has published on communication strategies used to promote regional integration in Africa, education for sustainable development, WASH, HIV & AIDS, Education, Climate Change and Agriculture. Her professional interests are in knowledge and information management, participatory communication; Agriculture, climate change, water, sanitation and hygiene education; organizational learning, People with disabilities; children broadcasting /television and film production. She has worked as Knowledge Management, Partnerships and Communication Advisor/Manager for FHI 360, Education Development Academy (EDC) and John Snow Inc. She also worked as Regional Communications Officer for Feed the Future Harmonized Seed Regulations Project in Southern Africa. To kick start her career in information management, she worked as Electronic Librarian for the Regional Integration Support Programme at COMESA Secretariat in Zambia. Before joining the multi-sectoral field, she worked as a secondary school teacher of French and civic education.

Mr Mocumbe is the APPSA Information, Communication and Knowledge Management (ICKM) Officer who joins APPSA/CCARDESA from the Mozambique Agricultural Research Institute where he was heading the Communication and Marketing Unit.  He has more than 10 years working experience in the field of communication in both public and private sectors, and has supported APPSA in Mozambique as the National Communication Focal Person. Mr Mocumbe holds a Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication degree from Iowa State University, USA. He also holds a B.Sc in Sociology from Eduardo Mondlane University and a Diploma in Marketing and Advertising from the School of Journalism, Mozambique. Some of his strengths include Communication for Social Change and Development; Digital video production; Web & Social Media communication, Content Development such as news articles, leaflets, brochures and others. His expertise also includes selecting effective information delivery systems to specific but also to wide range of publics.

Simbarashe Mutamiri, a Zimbabwean national, is a certified chartered accountant with over 14 years’ experience in financial and performance reporting, financial management, budgeting,  as well as capital and treasury management. He holds an MSc degree in Finance & Investment from the National University of Science & Technology (NUST) in Zimbabwe, and B.Com. Accounting (Hons) degrees from MSU (Zim) and UNISA (RSA). His expertise includes financial accounting and reporting, strategic management; development finance; business analysis; performance management; systems design & analysis; risk management as well as financial and operational audits. Simba has worked as a Finance Manager for diversified private entities as well as a private voluntary organisation in Zimbabwe. He also worked in various portfolios with Chartered Accountant firms in Zimbabwe and has performed financial reviews for UNDP. In my position at CCARDESA, I am responsible for ensuring that all the CCARDESA Secretariat’s transactions and reporting are managed to international accounting standards and in accordance with agreements entered into by the Secretariat. I provide support to the CCARDESA Management Team through the necessary financial reporting and analysis required for the effective management of APPSA resources, and assists the Finance Manager to review systems and processes where necessary and develop sound working practices and procedures for the full and transparent accountability of project and Secretariat funds.

Mr Dagmore Tawonezvi is the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for CCARDESA. His role entails design and implementation of robust monitoring and evaluation systems, facilitation of organisational learning, reporting, capacity building of staff and stakeholders on monitoring and evaluation, and development of operational plans.
Mr Tawonezvi joined CCARDESA in June 2021. He has more than 30 years of professional experience in agricultural and economic development. Mr Tawonezvi’s profile constitutes the following: Executive Secretary Assistant under SADC Secretariat (January-May 2021); Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement Expert with IBF International Consultant under the Technical Assistance to the SADC Secretariat on Strengthening Institutional Capacity and Stakeholder Engagement (June – December 2020); Technical Advisor - Planning, Budgeting, and Resource mobilization under German Development Cooperation (January 2019 –May 2020); Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Coordinator for SADC Secretariat (January 2016 – July 2018); Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the SADC Secretariat under the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Directorate (October 2010 – December 2015); Migration and Development Officer with International Organization for Migration, Harare (October 2009 – September 2010); Project Manager for Food and Agriculture Organization for the United Nations (May 2007 –June 2009); Country Programme Manager (Zimbabwe) under Coffee Market Development and Trade Promotion in East  and Southern Africa (January 2001 – September 2006); Principal Agricultural Economist under the Department of Agricultural Technical and Extension Services, Minister of Agriculture, Zimbabwe (September 1990 – December 2000).
Mr Tawonezvi holds a Masters Degree in Policy Studies, MBA in Agribusiness and BSc in Agricultural Economics. He is currently pursuing Doctorate in Business Administration.
Notably, Dagmore was the Team Leader in the development and implementation of SADC Results Based Monitoring and Evaluation System. The System is being used by the SADC Secretariat and the Member States in the monitoring and evaluation of regional programmes. Dagmore managed to facilitate capacity building of Secretariat staff and Member States to use the system. He also coordinated the engagement of Non State Actors (NSAs), private sector and Civil Society Organization (CSOs) in monitoring implementation of SADC Regional Integration Agenda. Dagmore was also a Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant for the development of the Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation System for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) between 2016 and 2018. The system is being used to plan and monitor ECOWAS across all sectors. His key skills can be summarized as follows:

1. Strategic and operational planning: Strong planning skills having been involved in the development of strategic and operational pans at national and regional levels
2. Monitoring and evaluation and reporting: Highly experienced in the development and implementation of results based monitoring and evaluation systems and generation of progress reports
3. Capacity building: Extensive experience in the development and implementation of capacity programmes on results based management, project cycle management project management and resource mobilisation.
4. Project management: Wide experience in managing agricultural and food security programmes at national and regional levels

Tseliso Makara is a Scholar and holds a Masters of Science in Social Protection Financing as well as several Professional Qualifications in Procurement and Contract Management. He has over 10 years of experience in both private and public Sectors. For the past, ten years, he has been working in the public procurement monitoring and training as well as managing large scale procurements under the support of Development Partners such as World Bank, African Development Bank and European Union. Through this path he has been able to develop strategic long-term partnerships at all levels. Currently he is the Procurement Expert at the regional Organization responsible for guiding Procurement Management and Contract Management for some SADC Member states including Lesotho. He is a versatile leader with keen interest and immense involvement in youth Development Projects, and a special interest in Healthcare Issues.

Ms. Mirjam Selma Taapopi is an Environmental & Social Safeguards Officer for the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) responsible for coordination and implementation of environmental and social safeguards related aspects under the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP).

She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the University of the Free State, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Namibia, and a National Certificate in Occupationally Directed Education Training and Development Practices from VeryCoolIdeas, South Africa. In addition, she is a certified Knowledge Manager and has been the CCARDESA ICKM Focal Person for Namibia.

Prior to joining CCARDESA, she worked for the Ministry of Agriculture Water and Land Reform in Namibia responsible for the implementation and coordination of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) of the Namibia Agricultural Mechanisation and Seed Improvement Project (NAMSIP) funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Namibian Government, as per National Environmental Management Regulations, and the Environmental and Social Safeguard Standards of the AfDB. In addition, she also worked as a Farm Manager for the Namibia Grape Company (Pty) Ltd responsible for overseeing the production of table grapes for export to the EU, and ensuring compliance to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and other Standards as per market demand regulations.

She is very passionate about Environmental management and has extensive knowledge in horticulture production, and environmental management in the agriculture sector.

Mrs Botho Monyama has more than 15 years of experience, having worked in both the public (Government of Botswana) and private sectors. She worked as a Secretary for four years in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development under the Ministry Management. After that, she worked for four years as a Secretary at the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security under the Ministry Headquarters. During her tenure in the two ministries, she gained a diverse background in secretarial work, business administration, and management.

Mrs. Monyama started working as an Administrative Assistant at the CCARDESA Secretariat in November 2013. She is a highly skilled and well-organized professional who provides consistent administrative and secretarial support to mid and senior-level managers. She handles a variety of administrative tasks such as data entry, filing, records management, storekeeping, and billing. She also arranges travel (including visa applications, work and residence permits), manages databases, and ensures the timely delivery of mail services. From 2017 to 2023 she has been in addition working as the Personal Assistant to the Executive Director. She holds a Diploma in Secretarial and Administration, a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Ms Kopo Rachel Letsebe holds Masters in Business Administration in International Business, as well as a Degree in Business Information Technology. Ms Letsebe also holds various professional certifications making her technically savvy and support oriented for a diverse range of technological solutions.

Ms Letsebe has more than 5 years of experience in the public and private sector with proven knowledge in advanced technologies, capacity planning and procedural documentation. In her previous jobs, she provided outstanding technological solutions and end user support to organizations such as Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC). Ms Kopo is a solutions provider with impeccable design and computer skills for software and hardware components. She is an effective communicator with well-rounded soft skills.

Botsang Mogotsi is a well-rounded procurement professional with 15 years of solid experience in procurement, contracting, supply chain and logistics management. She graduated from the University of Botswana with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Project and Logistics Management). Mrs Mogotsi is currently pursuing Professional Diploma with Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS Level 6).

Prior to joining CCARDESA, Mrs Mogotsi was a Procurement Expert with Conservation International (CI) where she managed their procurement function for the CI Botswana – Green Climate Fund Project. She also worked as a Procurement Specialist for over 5 years with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ Botswana and SADC), both at their country office and the Climate Resilient and Natural Resources Management (C-NRM) project. She also worked with the Botswana University of Maryland School of Medicine Initiative (BUMMHI) as a Procurement and Logistics Coordinator from Government of Botswana at the Ministry of Health at Institute Health Science in Molepolole and at the South East District Health Management Team. Mrs Mogotsi started her career at Shell Oil Botswana as Supply Assistant and Customer Service Coordinator.

Throughout her career, Botsang Mogotsi has proven to be a great team player who can be relied on to offer sustainable procurement practices and flexible to perform exceptionally well in diverse environments.

Mr Nelson Ediretse has 12 years of experience having worked in private sector. His first position was as Security Officer/Office Assistant in SADC/GIZ Transboundary Water Management programme for 7 years.  From there he was promoted to Driver/Messenger until December 2020 where he was also assigned as a Logistics Officer under SADC/GIZ Adaptation to Climate Change in Rural Areas in Southern Africa (ACCRA) Programme. 

Mr Ediretse joined CCARDESA Secretariat in February, 2021 as a Driver/Messenger.   He is a proactive and supportive individual and he is always willing to provide his service and to take up new tasks. He is reliable and loyal coupled with professional defensive driving skills.

He holds a Botswana General Certificate in Secondary Education certificate, Basic Fire Awareness certificate, Defensive driving Level 3 Course certificate, Basic First Aid Level 3 certificate and Basic Computer Operation skills certificate. Mr Ediretse is also trained in Protocol and Etiquette for Drivers and VIP Assistant.

Finally, with determination, dedication, and perseverance, Mr Ediretse intends to become a worthy employee by accumulating knowledge in CCARDESA Secretariat.

Mrs Thato Mathodi is Friendly and Welcoming Receptionist /Office orderly for CCARDESA, she has 11 years’ experience in her roles in both Private and government sector, her previous work entails dealing with customer, assisting the admin staff and handling goods. Mrs Mathodi is a well organised and polite individual who serves CCARDESA customers and staff with smile and due diligence, she upholds the Organisation Mission and Vision and carried it forward by been attentive to details. She maintains the security and telecommunications systems of the organization.

Mrs Mathodi holds a certificate in Reception and Customer Service, she is currently pursuing her Diploma in Secretary and Administration which she will graduate by April 2022.