By Phelane Phakgadi and Matsobane Manaka
Minister John Steenhuisen (left), Gauteng MEC Ms Vuyiswa Ramokgopa and Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) MEC Ms Nakedi Kekana at the 2024/2025 Agricultural Extension Week (AEW) incorporating the fourth National Extension and Advisory Service Awards (NEASA).
The department is proud for its three female extension practitioners who put Limpopo on the map by awarded with best practices in the service during the Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) Awards held at Emperor’s Palace in Gauteng Province.
Edith Mokoka received Best Extension Practitioner: Certificated Category, Keitumetše Mphofu awarded with Best Extension Practitioner: Candidate Category and Mapula Mabilo snatched Best Extension Practitioner: Professional Category. These foot soldiers are among the pool of extension practitioners who selflessly went all out in their line of duty to ensure farmers produce maximally, in addressing food security, creation of jobs and participate meaningfully in agricultural economic space.
The awards were conferred by the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, at the event which is jointly organised with the 58th Conference of the South African Society for Agricultural Extension and the fourth National Extension and Advisory Services Awards (NEASA).
The awards are structured to give the top three extension officers exposure of one-week visits to different best agricultural performing countries to enhance their provision of agricultural technical skills, technical knowledge, and practical experience.
The event comes as South Africa goes through important institutionalisation and policy reform process to address challenges facing Extension and Advisory Services (EAS).
The productivity and sustainability of the agricultural sector depends on the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of EAS. In an attempt to rebrand, renew and reposition EAS, it is proposed that an AEW should include the NEASA to showcase and award best practices in the service. The awards aim to recognise outstanding performance in agricultural extension service and motivate extension practitioners to further promote innovation and best practices in agricultural extension services.
The year 2025 marks a century of Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) in South Africa, a pivotal landmark in the evolution of agricultural knowledge-sharing, rural empowerment, and development.
From left: Jethro Nowata, Chief Director for Agriculture Development and Farmer Support Services, Edith Mokoka (Certificated Category), Acting Head of Department Mpho Mashamba, Keitumetše Mphofu (Candidate Category) and Mapula Mabilo (Professional Category).
Edith Mokoka (second from right) awarded with Certificated Category
