Meet the Team: The driving force behind Seedcare AME and Seedcare South Africa

Stefan van Zyl: Leading the way

With nearly four decades of agricultural expertise, Stefan van Zyl stands at the forefront of Seedcare innovation. Born and raised on a farm in Wolmaransstad, his connection to agriculture isn't just professional—it's a way of life. As Seedcare Business Manager for AME South, Stefan has been driving innovation at Syngenta since 2010 and has been the cornerstone of our mission to bring sustainable and profitable Seedcare solutions to every farmer. His profound understanding that "agriculture is a necessity for humankind, not just a 'nice to have " drives his commitment to excellence. Stefan's unique ability to merge cutting-edge technology with his deep-rooted love for nature has been instrumental in shaping the future of seed treatment in AME.

Supporting his vision is Jurgens Minnaar, who joined Syngenta in 2021 and our Seedcare team in 2025 as Seedcare Business Manager South Africa. A Bloemfontein native with 9 years of professional experience and a strong farming background, Jurgens manages key strategic accounts while driving portfolio strategy. His optimism and dedication to South African agriculture complement Stefan's leadership, creating a dynamic force in the industry.

Together, this powerful duo ensures Seedcare solutions remain at the cutting edge of agricultural innovation, meeting the evolving needs of our customers, while maintaining our commitment to sustainability.

When asked about their superpowers, Stefan's choice reflects his thoughtful nature – he'd choose Solomon's wisdom, showing his commitment to making decisions that create a better world for his family. If granted a superpower, Jurgens would choose the ability to read and understand information at supersonic speeds – a fitting choice for someone who believes knowledge is the key to building anything in this world.

Stefan’s favorite quote comes from a powerful poem by Walter D. Wintle titled "The Man Who Thinks He Can," reflecting his belief in the power of positive thinking and determination in agriculture, while Jurgens’s  favorite quote is from Benjamin Franklin, "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise," perfectly encapsulates his approach to life and work.

Together, Stefan and Jurgens represent a powerful fusion of wisdom and innovation in Seedcare leadership - where Stefan's Solomon-inspired wisdom and family-centered approach meets Jurgens' knowledge-hungry drive, creating a dynamic partnership that's transforming agriculture one seed at a time.