Mahikeng- Thandeka Moseki of Groot Verdriet Farm in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District restored the pride of North West Province when she won the category of Best Subsistence Producer during the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Female Entrepreneur Awards 2014 held at Mmabatho Convention Centre in Mahikeng on Friday night.
The awards which are held by the joint venture of National (DAFF), North West Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development and Total South Africa is part and parcel of an effort in acknowledging and rewarding women entrepreneurs during the Women’s Month and beyond.
Thandeka who owns the Groot Verdriet Farm in Stella near Vryburg is young, vibrant and committed to her trade. She began her farming career by keeping small stock, which later enabled her to acquire a 310 hectare farm.
She further augments her business by also producing and selling vegetables and fruits.
She was one of the finalists in this year’s national competition after winning the same category provincially in Klerksdorp Rio Casino last week Friday. For her efforts she went home with R150 000 in cash.
The awards aimed at rewarding the efforts and contribution of women, youth and people with disabilities in matters of food security, job creation, economic growth and poverty alleviation were ultimately won by Ms. Ivy Nokwanele from the Eastern Cape as the overall winner.
An overjoyed and excited Thandeka attributed her success to hard work as well as the support she has been receiving from the department’s extension services, management as well as her family.
She said winning in her category has encouraged and increased her confidence and opened up other avenues for further development as she has long been yearning to expand into commercial farming.
“I hope that this award will further position my farm in greater heights within the sector” concluded Thandeka.
In congratulating Thandeka, MEC for Rural, Enviroment and Agriculture Development North West Province Manketsi Tlhape said although the department was aiming for the overall prize of best female entrepreneur award 2014, she is still ecstatic that atleast Thandeka brought a category home.
MEC Tlhape went on to say Thandeka’s win further indicates government’s intention to uplift previously disadvantaged women from our villages and this is being intensified. She encouraged other women to take heed from Thandeka’s win who started from humble beginnings and urged them to join the Agricultural train as a business venture.
The awards were attended by amongst others Minister of Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Senzeni Zokwana, Deputy Minister Bheki Cele and MECs from other provinces.-TDN
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