Leadership Team
Our leadership team provides strategic direction, scientific oversight and operational management, ensuring that Provar continues to deliver independent, credible and commercially relevant services to the fruit industry.
Dr Iwan Labuscaghne
Founder
Tristan Dorfling
Chief Executive Officer
Tatenda Kawhena
Chief Operating Officer
Huidré Swart
Head of Finance and Accounting
Cultivar Evaluations Team
Our evaluators combine practical horticultural experience with standardised scientific methodologies to assess new fruit cultivars across diverse growing environments. Their work generates reliable information to support informed cultivar selection and commercial decision-making.
Dr Iwan Labuscaghne
Pome Fruit Evaluator
Kyra Pienaar
Stone Fruit Evaluator
Chad van Wyk
Alternative Crops
Research & Science Team
Our scientists contribute specialised knowledge across horticulture, plant physiology, genetics and data analysis. Through applied research, scientific collaboration and publication, they strengthen the scientific foundation of our work and contribute to broader industry knowledge.
Dr Iwan Labuscaghne
Head of Scientific Research
Rae Oelofse
Scientific Publications & Research Conceptualisation Lead
Tatenda Kawhena
Post-Harvest Researcher
Tristan Dorfling
Pome Fruit & Rootstock Researcher
Chad van Wyk
Rootstocks & Alternative Crops
Estiaan Coetzee
Research Assistant
Thandokazi Jantjies
Statistician: Research & Analytics
Technical Operations Team
Our technical team supports the practical execution of field trials, sample collection, laboratory assessments and data capture. Their attention to detail helps ensure that evaluations are conducted consistently and that the resulting data is accurate and reliable.
Marcelle-Marie Hanekom
Technical Manager
Tashreeq Oliver
Snr Technician: Data & Science
Melvino Klaase
Snr Technician: Orchard Management
Jessica Pietersen
Snr Technician: Lab
Mthokozisi Sishuba
Technician
Thato Madihlaba
Technician
Software & Technology Team
Our technology team combines software development, data management and digital innovation to create practical solutions for the fruit industry. From Culteva™ to specialised research tools, their work transforms complex processes and data into accessible, useful technology.
Conrad Janse van Rensburg
Lead Software Engineer
Miaan Kramer
Product Manager
Gina Kuschke
Sales & Marketing
Finance & Administration Team
Our finance and administration team supports the financial management, coordination and day-to-day operations of Provar. Their work provides the organisational foundation that enables our scientific, technical and commercial teams to focus on delivering value.
Huidré Swart
Head of Finance and Accounting
Anri Engelbrecht
Junior Accountant
