THE Northern Cape department of agriculture, land reform and rural development has extended the date for entries for the female entrepreneurs awards. Departmental spokesperson Phemelo Manankong said the closing date had been extended to allow more female entrepreneurs to enter the awards.

“The call for the applicants in this year’s competition is set to be heartened by widespread publicity in an attempt to draw the ever-increasing number of participants, especially women,” Manankong said.

The closing date of the entries has been extended to May 20. The initial closing date was today. However, the department emphasised that the competition had been growing year by year since its inception and more sectors were now included in categories to cover most part of the agricultural industry.

“The scope of the competition has expanded in alignment with the new mandate of the government to include the fishery and forestry sectors,” Manankong said.

Categories for this year awards include best female farm worker, best subsistence producer, top smallholder, processing, exports and commercial entrepreneurs. “There will also be the MEC’s special award, as well as a youth and disabled people’s award to recognize the role of young people in the sector,” Manankong said.

The awards take place later in the year. Previous entrants are also encouraged to reenter. The prize money will be disclosed towards the run up to the award ceremony. Female entrepreneurs in and around Northern Cape are urged to visit their departmental offices for any clarity they might need with regard to the awards.
Courtesy: http://www.thenewage.co.za