The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture today hosted the OR Tambo District leg of the
Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) and the Extension and Advisory Services Awards (EASA),
celebrating the outstanding contribution of women farmers and extension practitioners who
continue to drive agricultural development and food security in the province.
The Women Entrepreneur Awards recognise women who have excelled in agricultural production
and agribusiness, while the Extension and Advisory Services Awards honour extension officers
who have demonstrated excellence in providing technical support and advisory services to farming
communities. OR Tambo becomes the fifth district to host the joint awards programme.
Representing the district, Deputy Director District Coordination Andiswa Matinise commended
farmers for their commitment to growing the agricultural sector and acknowledged the critical
role they play in achieving the provincial goal of reducing poverty and ensuring food security.
“We proudly recognise and honour the work being done by farmers in the OR Tambo District.
We would not achieve our mandate without our farmers. By 2030, we have a mandate to
eradicate poverty and this cannot be achieved without your continued commitment. Your
contribution ensures that the Eastern Cape remains one of the country’s food baskets,” she said.
She also paid tribute to Extension and Advisory Services officials, describing them as the
Department’s “ground heroes” who work tirelessly to provide technical guidance and support to
farmers across the district.
“These dedicated officials ensure that farmers receive the support they need to improve
production and overcome challenges. Today we recognise their commitment and the extra mile
they continue to go in serving our farming communities,” she added.
Giving words of encouragement, local farmer Andile Ndzendze encouraged both farmers and
extension practitioners to explore agro-processing opportunities to increase the value of
agricultural products and unlock new markets.
He further emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous agricultural knowledge while
modernising traditional products for commercial markets.
“We must preserve our indigenous knowledge and ensure that the products we develop are
protected through appropriate intellectual property mechanisms so that future generations can
benefit from them,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Director for Extension and Advisory Services, Noluvuyo Nqeno,
challenged farmers to remain focused on their purpose and embrace their uniqueness.
“You must focus on what you are doing, why you are doing it and who you are doing it for.
Nothing limits people more than trying to fit in with the crowd. Be proud of your uniqueness and
build something that future generations will recognise and continue,” she said.
Nqeno further encouraged experienced women farmers to intentionally mentor young people by
involving them in the management of agricultural enterprises.
“Leave a legacy. Even if your children are not yet interested, remain patient because what we have
built should not be lost. Allow young people to participate in bookkeeping, administration and the
use of modern technologies within farming enterprises. This is how we will spark their interest
and attract them into agriculture.”
She noted that food insecurity remains a significant challenge in the province, with approximately
27% of households affected and called on all stakeholders to work together to reverse the trend.
“If we are serious about supporting our farmers, we must change this trajectory. Like the eagle
that flies higher than other birds, let us develop the vision and foresight to identify opportunities
that will strengthen our farmers and grow the agricultural sector,” she concluded.
The district awards programme forms part of the Department’s commitment to recognising
excellence, encouraging innovation, promoting women’s participation in agriculture and
strengthening extension services that support sustainable agricultural development throughout the
Eastern Cape.
LIST OF WINNERS:
Women Entrepreneur Awards Winners:
Best Smallholder Producer: Sofika and Van Zyl Trading Enterprise
Best Commercial Producer: Tyhopho Trading Enterprise
Best Agro-Processing Producer: Cberkie projects & innovations
Overall Winner: Tyhopho Trading Enterprise
Extension and Advisory Awards Winners:
Best Extension Practitioner – Candidate Natural Scientist:
Runner-up: Bavuyise Sondzaba – Winner: Yongama Zantsi
Best Extension Practitioner – Certificated Natural Scientist:
Runner-up: Nosihle Mfunduka: Winner: Thanduxolo Paliso
Legend/Lifetime Achiever Award
Winner: Dumisa Mlanjeni who joined the department in 1990.
