The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture in the Alfred Nzo district hosted a joint Women Entrepreneur Awards and Extension and Advisory Services Awards event in the Winnie Madikizela Mandela LM to celebrate excellence and dedication between farmers and extension practitioners.
“As we celebrate the last district, we can see the produce from farmers that they are doing the great work,” Noluvuyo Nqeno, director for Extension and Advisory Services.
“I’m grateful to see such produce. In order to fight poverty, it’s the women’s responsibility to make sure everyone at home has eaten.
She also added that “today, we are here to tell you as farmer in order for you to get what you want, you must know what you are doing
“If you want to win in this sector, you must be consistent and know what the market wants.
“Every business has its own challenges, but most importantly, is to never giving up.
“Extension officials, this joint event is new. We need to work with farmers to move from smallholder to commercial stage.
“Congratulations to everyone who participated in the competition whether you win or not. Let’s continue to work together,” Nqeno said.
On her key note address, excetive mayor for The Mayor of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality (WMMLM) , Daniswa Mafumbatha acknowledges the work done by extension officials in assisting farmers.
“To the department, I’m grateful to be part of this event. The farmers of this LM wouldn’t be producing great produce without your assistance.
“ We honour all those women who have taken part in the agriculture sector and created jobs,” she said.
