Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - Jurgens Minnaar matriculated in Klerksdorp in 2013. He has just been honoured as one of Business Elite’s most influential business managers in the world.
He went to Hoërskool Wesvalia and is Head of Seedcare at Syngenta in Centurion. “It is great to be acknowledged, but I don’t work on my own. This nomination is also for everybody who work with me. It is also a stepping stone to even greater things. I also thank God for the ability,” he said.
Minnaar studied geology, earning registration as a Natural Scientist, plus an MBA and postgraduate diploma in Management. He continued his education at Gordon’s Institute of Business Studies and Harvard Business School, completing courses in Project Management, Operational Excellence, and Key Account Management.
At global agricultural leader Syngenta, he began as a Field Scientist, building his foundation from the ground up. He witnessed first-hand how quality products drive sustainability in agriculture, learning the intricacies of Research & Development at field level. His exceptional performance led to his promotion to Crop Protection Development Project Manager for Africa/ Middle East, where he successfully managed over 150 projects across 50+ countries throughout the region.
Proving his leadership capabilities, he was then promoted to Seedcare Business Manager, where he led a highly competent team to successfully develop and launch Cruiser Ultimate, a major new product introduction for South Africa. This career progression - from technical expert to regional project leader to business manager - demonstrates his versatility and ability to thrive in both cost centres and profit centres.
As an entrepreneur, Minnaar has built and expanded his family’s agricultural business since purchasing his first farm in 2019, while also establishing successful ventures in commercial feedlot operations and alluvial diamond mining consulting.
Above all, he is a happy, adventurous individual who believes the world’s most important currency is the positive effect you have on others.
