If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right in the country.
— M. S. Swaminathan
THE GOAT ACADEMY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
Welcome to the Goat Academy for Southern Africa (GASA), your premier online e-learning institution specializing in the comprehensive study of goat farming. At GASA, we focus on three key areas of goat farming: goat meat production, goat hair production, and goat milk production. Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality educational resources that empower farmers and agricultural professionals across Southern Africa and beyond.
GASA forms part of the International Agricultural Academy for Africa (i3A) who has been educating agricultural students since 2015.
Our courses are delivered entirely online, making them accessible to learners regardless of their location. This flexibility ensures that everyone from small-scale farmers to agricultural business owners can benefit from our expertly designed curriculum. Each module is developed by industry experts and tailored to integrate both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of each specialty.
At GASA, we are committed to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing animal welfare, and improving the profitability and efficiency of goat farms. Our training covers essential topics such as sustainable farming techniques, animal health and nutrition, breeding strategies, and the business aspects of goat farming, including marketing and sales.
Join us at the Goat Academy for Southern Africa to elevate your farming practice, expand your knowledge, and contribute to the thriving future of the goat industry. Whether you’re looking to enhance your existing operation or kickstart a new venture in goat farming, GASA is here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Team
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Johann-Stassen.jpg)
JOHANN STASSEN
MANAGING DIRECTOR
B SC AGRIC
Johann is an Agricultural Economist and commercial farmer with more than 30 years’ experience in agricultural training and development. Johann spearheaded i3A’s Online Campus.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hnas-Heinze.jpg)
HANS HEINZE
DIRECTOR: STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT
B MIL (RET. BRIG GEN)
Hans is an experienced retired military leader with a strong and proven track record in Leadership Development, training, planning and logistical support. In 2011 Hans established Garcias for Africa, a personal development company specialising in practical and effective leadership programmes for youth and for people working in the agricultural sector.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Chane-Gibbons.jpg)
CHANÉ GIBBONS
HOD : FINANCIAL OFFICER | HUMAN RESOURSES
B AGRIC (HONS)
Chane, a proud Bloemfontein native, recently achieved her BCom degree in Business Management, marking her entry into the professional world. As a dynamic and enthusiastic young departmental manager, she brings her fresh perspective and energy to the table. Chane excels in a range of roles, from student administration and student finance to business finance and administration, as well as various HR-related matters.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Elsa-Kotze.jpg)
ELSA KOTZÉ
HOD: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
ND GRAPHIC ART
Elsa is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in graphic design, photography, and editing, as well as business development, marketing, and sales. She is instrumental in creating user-friendly educational content for students, leveraging her expertise to design visually appealing and functional materials that enhance the learning experience. Elsa’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to excellence ensure that the educational materials she produces are of the highest quality, empowering students to succeed in their academic endeavors.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Theda-Heinze.jpg)
THEDA HEINZE
HOD : MARKETING
Theda has partially completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and is also busy with her National Certificate Agri Sales and Services (NQF 4) through i3A. She has 17 years + of experience in marketing, sales, advertising, admin, communications, and managing staff. She is responsible for digital and direct marketing and sales. She is also the co-owner of Garcias for Africa, a personal development company specialising in practical and effective leadership programs for youth and for people working in the agricultural sector.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Steph-Craffort.jpg)
STEPH CRAFFORT ESTERHUIZEN
HOD : CONTENT AND RESEARCH
BSC IN FORENSIC SCIENCE (HONS)
Steph has completed Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, Honors Degree in Forensic Genetics, with experience in education and peer tutoring. Steph manages the Content and Research Department and oversees the development of academic content for i3A’s curriculums. This includes the specific outcomes and assessment criteria, manuals, assessments and academic videos.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Frannie-Roux-2.jpg)
FRANNIE ROUX
HOD : ACADEMICS
MSc BOTANY
DIPLOMA OF HERBAL MEDICINE
Frannie brings a wealth of experience to the academic realm, having served in various roles including being the principle of the Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute. . With a deep understanding of educational principles and a passion for plant sciences, he excels in overseeing all academic-related matters, from developing syllabi to ensuring academic excellence. Frannie’s dedication to fostering a conducive learning environment and his expertise in plant production make him an invaluable asset in the field of academics.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/John-Ntlhokoa.jpg)
JOHN NTLHOKOA
TRAINING CO-ORDINATOR | SENIOR PRACTITIONER
B AGRIC (HONS)
John is an experienced Practitioner with 18 years of post-graduate experience in the Facilitation and Assessment of various Agricultural Learnerships and Skills Programmes. John is responsible for training support by coordinating facilitators and venues.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Moseki-Molebatsi.jpg)
MOSEKI MOLEBATSI
MANAGER: QMS & ASSESSMENT
B AGRIC
Moseki has a National Certificate in Media Consultancy, B Agric in Animal Production, enrolled in B Agric (Hons), with experience in Training Administration. Moseki is responsible for the Quality Management System (QMS) which involves assessments, moderation, qualification conformation, certification, close-out reports to E-Learning Department, training reports, and POE archives among others tasks.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Leadri-van-Tonder.jpg)
LEADRI VAN TONDER
GRAPHIC DESIGN – MARKETING
Leadri has over a decade of experience in sales, service, marketing, graphic design, and customer relations. She is currently pursuing a certificate in graphic design while having completed studies in pharmaceuticals. Her diverse skill set and commitment to learning make her a valuable asset in any professional setting.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Madeleen-steyn.jpg)
MADELEEN STEYN
STUDENT ADMISIONS AND PROJECT MANAGER
Madeleen manages all facets of the admissions procedure, guaranteeing a smooth and effective journey for potential students. She supervises the organization, implementation, and assessment of diverse undertakings geared towards improving student satisfaction and furthering the institution’s objectives. Beyond her roles in admissions and administration, Madeleen also functions as the project overseer for all external endeavors initiated by the institution.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Msego-Ogene-Tawana.jpg)
MASEGO OGONE TAWANA
TRAINING MANAGER
ND ANIMAL PRODUCTION
NC FIRST AID
Masego’s role encompasses student communication and relations, Agri-Pedia platform development, and various administrative duties. She ensures effective communication with students, contributes to the development of the Agri-Pedia platform, and handles administrative tasks to support the institution’s operations.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Michelle-cloete.jpg)
MICHELLE CLOETE
RECEPTION AND FINANCE
Michelle is currently studying Human Resource Management while fulfilling multiple responsibilities at the institution. She manages student finances, handles various administrative tasks, and oversees student relations and reception duties.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Elzaan-Butler.jpg)
ELZAAN BUTLER
GRADPHIC DESIGNER
ND GRAPHIC DESIGN
Elzaan Butler completed her diploma in graphics and has three years of professional experience crafting visually compelling imagery. Her primary responsibilities revolve around developing and refining images for web content and manuals, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Viola-van-der-Westhuizen.jpg)
VIOLA VD WESTHUIZEN
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
NC : ANIMAL HEALTH
Viola has successfully completed her National Certificate in Animal Production and is now actively engaged in enhancing and creating images for web content at the institution. She contributes to the development of imagery related to student studies and content
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Khanyisile-Ncoyi.jpg)
KHANYISILE NCOYI
CORPORATE DEVELOPER
BSc Agric – Soil Science
BSc Agric (Hons) – Soil Science
Masters of Science – Soil Science
Enrolled for PhD – Soil Science
Khanyisile’s role is to identify funding opportunities, establishing long-term relationship with stakeholders and launching partnership with TVET colleges.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Carmen-Pretorius.jpg)
CARMEN PRETORIUS
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
B AGRIC – MAJORING IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION
NC EQUINE PRACTICES
Carmen is tasked with spearheading the development of the Agri-schools project, where she holds a pivotal role in bringing the project to fulfillment. This initiative aims to provide students without prior agricultural background the opportunity to acquire knowledge and certification in agriculture.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Robyn-Liebenberg.jpg)
ROBYN LIEBENBERG
CONTENT AND BUSINESS/ STUDENT ADMINISTRATION SPECIALIST
BSc- BOTANY AND PLANT PATHOLOGY
Robyn’s focus lies in writing and managing textbook manuals, crafting assessments, and supervising content layouts. I also take charge of developing and designing PowerPoint presentations to complement our educational resources. Beyond content creation, I offer extensive administrative assistance by managing student schedules and maintaining accurate records.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Isaac-Seane.jpg)
ISAAC SEANE
VIDEOGRAPHER AND EDITOR
Isaac is a self-taught videographer with eight years of experience as a video director. He plays a vital role in assisting with video editing and content creation skills courses. Additionally, Isaac provides support with any video-related aspects of the company.
![](https://gasa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ayabonga-Vazi.jpg)
AYABONGA VAZI
CONTENT DEVELOPER : AGRI-PEDIA PRODUCTIONS
B AGRIC
Ayabonga holds a degree in animal science and is currently pursuing her honors in the same field. She is tasked with script writing, video creation and development, as well as AI content generation, all geared towards student content for skills courses.