BY NALEDI BOGACWI

The Bokone Bophirima Provincial Government honoured women who showed character and pedigree within the agricultural sector.

The awards ceremony was attended by amongst others, Queen Mother of Bafokeng Royal Nation Mmemogolo Semane Molotlegi, the Province’s Director-General Dr Lydia Sebego and the Executive Mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality Cllr Jostina Mothibe.

He North West premier Supra Mahumapelo said this at a glittering Department of Agriculture, Forest and Fishery Female Entrepreneur Awards (DAFF) ceremony hosted by the Provincial Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development at Haartebeespoort, Madibeng Local Municipality.

Addressing more than 600 women who attended the ceremony, Mahumapelo said the character and vigor displayed by women in the agricultural sector will go a long way in ensuring that the 6% economic growth target set by the province is reached by 2019.

“We are happy that women in this province are continuing to make an impact in the agricultural sector, and that they comprehend our prioritisation of agriculture as a key economic driver”.

“While government is mindful of the challenges they go through as agricultural entrepreneurs, we are challenging them to see those challenges as a necessary platform for their immeasurable success.

“Having placed agriculture at the apex of the province’s economic growth strategy, we remain positive that our women farmers will sustain their meaningful contribution in our collective pursuit for radical socio-economic transformation, premier Mahumapelo said.

Manketsi Tlhape, the MEC for Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development challenged women farmers to produce more food, this in the wake of Provincial Government’s resolve to make local farmers main suppliers of agricultural produce for government institutions such as hospitals and schools.

“This is a great market opportunity government is creating for our farmers, and we challenge you to grab and make full use of this radical opportunity”, said MEC Tlhape who also implored women farmers to claim their space in the sector and treat agriculture as a serious business.

Crowning the winner of the Provincial DAFF Female Entrepreneur Award, Premier Mahumapelo announced Phindi Abdulla of Khuphuka Salgap Projects in Bojanala Platinum district as the competition overall winner.

Abdulla was a nominee for the Top Export Market category, and won R250 000.00 in cash plus agricultural infrastructure worth R1 million. The ceremony which takes place every year in August, has made a significant mark in the province and continues to inspire women to be the best in the farming business.

The programme aims at recognising improved delivery, innovation and excellence in the Agricultural mainstream economy by women.

It is also an instrument through which women’s enormous contributions in pushing back the frontiers of poverty can be recognised through the Food Security Programme.

The winners of various competition categories will represent the Province at a national awarding ceremony to be hosted by Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in partnership with Total SA, later this month.

-TDN

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