Rustenburg: - The North West department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment has announced best female farmers in the province, at an event held in Rustenburg Hedgehog Nest last month.

This year, about 26 agricultural projects led by females, entered the annual competition that is aimed at addressing challenges and difficult tasks that South African women are faced with, particularly, in the agricultural sector.

The winners were announced as follows:

Top producer for Households use - Moroka Broilers & Vegetalbe Project

1st Runner up - Morokweng Food Production Cluster

2nd Runner up- Auntie Lettie’s Farming Fresh Produce

Top producer for Informal Market - Redirile Farming Enterprise

1st Runner up - Sarah Motswe Poultry Project

2nd Runner up - Lilly Wesi Vegetables and Orchards

Top producer for National Market - Faranani Nursery

1st Runner up - Edna Matlapeng Livestock Production

2nd Runner up - Phatima Moeto Livestock Project

Top producer for Export Market - Crocodile Bonsmara Cattle Farm

1st Runner up – Aquare Flora Farm

The prize for all top producers is R20 000.00 each,

1st runner ups walked away with R15 000.00 each, while 2nd runner ups were rewarded with R10 000.00 each.

With regard to the Young aspirant Female Farmer Category that was launched last year, MEC for Agriculture, Conservation and Environment Manlenkosi Mayisela, acknowledged for the second time, the enthusiasm shown by youth in the agricultural sector, by presenting the prize of R10 000.00 to the Tshimologo Community Vegetable project that is managed by youth at Itsoseng outside Mafikeng.

Tshidi Lekgowe from Lamanyyaneng Village near Mafikeng who owns the Redirile Farming Enterprise that scooped this year’s Top Producer for Informal Market awards, was last year’s Young Aspirant Female farmer of the year.

“Ms. Lekgowe has proven beyond reasonable doubt that our youth are willing to make a difference. Our department is pleased by the impact that this Young Aspirant Female Farmer category is making, and we hope that it will inspire other” Mayisela said.

MEC also presented a special award to the only disabled man, who is working with a group of women in the Bosele Waste Management Project. MEC Mayisela said it is fundamental to acknowledge the support that Mr. Daniel Monnanyane has provided to ensure the success of this women led project.

The 2006 female farmer of the year was graced by the presence of all Provincial Female Farmer Winners, since the inception of these prestigious awards.

Issued by:

Ms. Motlalepula Rosho

Director: Communication

082 806 7327 / 018 389 5346