25/11/2025
Your friendship, camaraderie, commitment and charm will be sorely missed Deon, but the fond memories of adventures navigating the political landscape of world citrus by your side will remain forever. Your legacy is as proud and prominent as your personality. Rest in peace. 🙏🏻
It is with deep sadness that the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) this morning received the news that Deon Joubert has passed away. Deon has been at the very centre of South Africa's citrus industry since he joined the CGA as its European Union Special Envoy in 2014.
He passed this morning, at the age of 68, after complications following a medical procedure last week. Those close to him were by his side. The entire CGA family sends out its deepest condolences to Deon’s family. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
As an agricultural economist and trade expert he was a prominent figure in the fruit industry. Deon dedicated decades of his life to advancing market access, building bridges between producers and global partners, while championing agricultural exports. He was well-known and beloved in many circles for his immense knowledge of trade policy, export dynamics and supply chain logistics.
Before Deon joined the CGA, he was already a respected figure in agricultural circles, having distinguished himself though influential positions in both government and the private sector - notably as South Africa's agricultural attaché in Brussels, and as general manager for fruit logistics at Capespan. Few have had such a profound impact on the trajectory of the fruit industry in South Africa as Deon did.
Deon's immense expertise always came accompanied with a unique energy and humour. His charisma, warmth and sociability naturally led to a wide network of friends, colleagues and fruit growers who will miss him dearly.
•- Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the CGA
