Ozzy Nel is a hands‑on leader, logistics specialist, and food‑systems innovator. Appointed by our board as CEO in November, he brings more than two decades of experience in operations and hospitality to a mission that demands both urgency and care.
He isn’t new to the work. As Chief Operating Officer, Ozzy built SA Harvest’s food rescue infrastructure. He has been shaping supply‑chains through collaboration, growing the fleet (internal and through collaborations with the Road Freight Association), coordinating national logistics, and fostering partnerships with suppliers, community organisations, and donors.
“We’re not handing out charity. We’re rewiring a broken system, so food ends up where it belongs.”
Ozzy Nel, CEO SA Harvest
Why this matters
Under Ozzy’s leadership, SA Harvest doesn’t simply rescue surplus, but rather redirects it, transforming excess food into safe, nutritious meals, and turning waste into dignity.
- According to WWF South Africa, roughly 10 million tonnes of food are wasted every year, as in about one‑third of the country’s total food production. (WWF South Africa)
- Reports by WWF South Africa indicate that the majority of this waste occurs long before food reaches consumers, often in the supply chain, packing, or retail stages.
- Meanwhile, millions of South Africans face food insecurity. The contrast between surplus and need reveals a system design failure, not a food shortage.
Building Systems That Deliver
Ozzy believes that real change requires systems, not sporadic acts. He leads with clarity, compassion, and operational discipline. Whether he’s in a warehouse, a boardroom, or a community kitchen, Ozzy’s focus focus has always been on coordination, accountability, and impact.
He works shoulder-to-shoulder with drivers, warehouse staff, community partners, and donors, bridging logistics, empathy, and action.
The Vision Ahead
South Africa’s food waste problem isn’t inevitable — it’s structural. With Ozzy steering SA Harvest, the organisation is scaling up: building smart hubs, investing in cold‑chain and processing capacity, and forming partnerships that go beyond charity.
The goal is simple: create a food system that’s efficient, just, and inclusive — where surplus doesn’t translate to waste, but to nourishment.
Join the Movement
If you are a business, donor, logistics provider, or policymaker and you believe that food rescue can be part of a systemic solution, reach out! Help us turn waste into possibility.