Female entrepreneurs in farming honoured
TOP female entrepreneurs in the farming sector were rewarded at a prestigious ceremony.
The event was organised by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to celebrate the strides made by women in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors during Women’s Month.
Department Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Daff ) minister Senzeni Zokwana said the country was gripped by the discourse around the amendment of section 25 of the Constitution in order to give unambiguous clarity on the land expropriation without compensation as part of social redress to people.
“The return of land ownership in our communal areas and in other non-urban areas must result in women being the biggest beneficiaries so that they use it for food security and starting their small-scale farming and value chains,” said Zokwana
“Land ownership has been an impediment to the rural economy for which women are actively involved through agriculture,” Zokwana added.
The Daff Female Entrepreneur Awards paid tribute to the efforts and contribution made by young females and women with disabilities for the roles they play in ensuring food security, poverty alleviation, job creation and economic growth in the sector.
Bhekisephi Banengiwe Xulu won the awarded for Best Female Worker, and Esther Irine Nell won the award for the Best Subsistence Producer.
Top Entrepreneur for a Smallholding went to Leandre Elise Beatrice Mitchley, the Top Entrepreneur for Processing went to Matshidiso Portia Mngomezulu, and the Top Entrepreneur for Commercial went to Maleka Pauline Dorcas, while the Top Entrepreneur for Export Markets went to Noluthando Mbilase.
The minister’s special award for Young Female Entrepreneur went to Nosiphiwo Makhapela, and the award for the female entrepreneur with disability in the sector went to Selinah Mphedziseni Mulovhedzi.
The overall winner based on the highest points for entrepreneur went to Matshidiso Portia Mngomezulu.
The Western Cape Top Entrepreneur for Smallholder awardee, Leandre Elise Beatrice Mitchley, who grew up in a farm village and who started her farming business with only two piglets, said she was extremely happy, blessed and honoured to be among the winners.
“I love farming, especially pig farming and this award will encourage me to be more active in my farming,” said Mitchley.