The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) has learned with great sadness of the untimely passing of Dr Christo Joubert few days ago.

Dr Joubert was a former employee of the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) and that is where he devoted a considerable share of his time during the last decade. As NAMC, we selflessly benefited from his wealth of knowledge and vast understanding of the agricultural sector. During his time as an employee of NAMC, Dr Christo Joubert worked in the Markets and Economic Research Centre (MERC) division where he was a manager for Agro-food Chains research.

MERC leads the organization’s research work on food price monitoring, input cost monitoring, supply and demand estimates and value chain studies, among others. As a result, he worked closely with industry bodies and that made him one of the recognised professionals – with regular TV, radio, and newspaper contributions. He was the NAMC representative on the Agricultural Economics Working Group and published his work in peer reviewed journals and mainstream media.

Dr Joubert was a well-travelled professional and attended conferences hosted by the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA), International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA) and other professional organisations where he presented his work, which focused mainly on policy matters to improve efficiency in the sector.

After leaving NAMC, Dr Joubert joined the University of the Free State, and he was already in the process of starting work relations with NAMC during the time of his passing.

NAMC would like to extend its sincere heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

May his soul rest in peace.

Regards