MSD Animal Health Academy
About MSD Animal Health Academy
Advance through Animal Health Skills Qualifications
MSD Animal Health Academy is the academic and development department of MSD Animal Health that provides SAQA accredited training, industry customised courses and e-learning programmes to meet the needs of students, emerging farmers, farmworkers and established farming enterprises.
Our accreditation is provided through an Academic Industry Collaboration agreement with the International Agricultural Academy for Africa (Pty) Ltd, enabling our students to make use of the exciting technology of the Agripedia e-learn platform.
Our Team

Mr Jacques van Rensburg
Jacques van Rensburg graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science in 1990 and later qualified as a Veterinary Technologist in 1994. After working for 12 years with Bayer Animal Health in the small animal industry, he shifted towards marketing, earning a marketing management diploma in 2000. By 2007, he became a Senior Product Manager at Bayer Animal Health and completed an MBA in 2009. He joined MSD Animal Health in 2012 as a Senior Marketing Specialist in the Ruminant department, eventually becoming National Marketing Manager in 2018. He played a key role in launching the agricultural TV series “Landbouweekliks” and coordinated eight seasons from 2018 to 2020. In 2020, he became National Training Manager at MSD, responsible for developing a new training department, and is also a short course facilitator for i3A.

Dr Raesibe Kekana
Dr Raesibe Kekana graduated as a veterinarian at the University of Pretoria in 2019 and went on to do her community service in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. She also ran a herd health consultancy for emerging farmers around Mpumalanga and Lebowakgomo, Limpopo. Raesibe has a strong focus on educating farmers on basic animal health. She joined MSD animal health in May 2021 as part of their ruminant’s technical Veterinary team with a special added focus on small-scale farmers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ELZAAN BUTLER
GRAPHIC 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.

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

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.

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 a prior agricultural background the opportunity to acquire knowledge and certification in agriculture.

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.

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.

AYABONGA VAZI
CONTENT DEVELOPER: AGRI-PEDIA PRODUCTIONS
B AGRIC
Ayabonga holds a degree in animal science and is currently pursuing her honours 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.
