By Matsobane Manaka
The Youth and Women Entrepreneurs were recognised and acknowledged under the categories of Best Subsistence Producer, Best Smallholder Producer, Best Agro Processor and Best Commercial Producer.
These are winners under the category of Female Entrepreneurship (FEA):
- Best Female Worker – Hulisani Felicia Maliamavhu from Kika Foods PTY (Ltd) in Waterberg District.
- Best Subsistence Producer – Rebecca Twala from Economic Urban Farming, Waterberg District.
- Best Small Holder – Vinah Nkuna – Mayanasagwadi Agricultural Primary Co-operative in Mopani District.
- Agro-Processing – Retang Motale of Setsong Tea Crafters in Sekhukhune District.
- Commercial – Sewela Thosago from Ramahwidi Farming and Projects Cooperative in Capricorn District.
- Exports – nthupeni Esnath Mulaudzi from Nthupeni Farm and Trading in Vhembe District
- MEC Special Award (Disability) – Mmatumelo Suzan Mutakusi from Phija Projects in Capricorn District.
Young Entrepreneur Awards winners:
- Primary School – Modjadji Primary School in Mopani District.
- High School – Settlers High School in Waterberg District.
- Subsistence – Mafokwana Tebatso Ledile from Capricorn District.
- Small Holder – Tau Leolo from Leolo Agri Produce in Capricorn District.
- Processor – Vhutshilo Netshiongolwe – Vhembe District.
- Commercial – Petrus Ratsomana from Kaalbult farming in Capricorn District.
“These awards are a fitting tribute to the tireless efforts of our young and women farmers, who are playing a crucial role in advancing socio-economic transformation in our Province. The awards, which have been running since 2006, further play a critical role in encouraging a greater participation in agriculture especially among the youth and women who are often overlooked in traditional agricultural systems”, said MEC Kekana.
Kekana continued that the awards are more than just accolades, but an opportunity to showcase the innovation, dedication, and resilience of “our young producers and women entrepreneurs. Many of our past recipients have gone on to achieve remarkable success, both in primary agriculture and agro processing. Their stories serve as an inspiration to others, proving that with the right support, anything is possible”.
She reiterated that despite being the unsung heroes who toil tirelessly under the sun, battling unpredictable weather conditions and market fluctuations to put food on our tables, their contributions to the economy are not only undeniable, but are the bedrock upon which the province’s future is built on.
