Ms Kenalemang Kgoroeadira, the initiator and manager of Thojane Organic Farming in Phokeng, Bojanala Platinum District, is the country’s Best Subsistence Producer. This was announced last night (Friday, 23 August) by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tina Joemat-Pettersson during the DAFF Female Entrepreneur Awards ceremony held at St George Hotel, Gauteng Province.
By grabbing this national award, Thojane Organic Farming won a total prize of R150 000, which the Minister insisted must be entirely used in developing this project.
Initiated in 2009, Thojane Organic Farming produces herbs such as Rose Geranium, Rosemary, Thyme, Lemon Vevina, Lemon Grass, Yarrow, Mint, Garlic, Parsley and Lavender, as well as a variety of vegetables on a 2ha plot.
The project has five members, three women and two youths, and sells its produce at the local schools’ feeding schemes and supermarkets. It employs six permanent locals, while an additional five is employed on a seasonal basis.
Expressing her delight about the project’s achievement, the MEC for North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Desbo Mohono, said members of Thojane Organic Farming’s desire and passion to positively contribute towards households food security, healthy lifestyles, job creation and economic development, deserve recognition and encouragement.
“We will as a department, continue to work with other key stakeholders to ensure that this and other women managed projects are supported and empowered to produce quality and nutritious products”, committed MEC Mohono who further said this award represents the vision women of this Province have about agriculture and food security.
The Best Subsistence Producer category caters for beginners in the sector, who are expected to demonstrate innovation in improving production, responsible use of production inputs, understanding of improved farming methods, job creation and economic development. Thojane Organic Farming was participating in this competition for the first time.
Three other Provincial DAFF Female Entrepreneur Awards winners, Chaneng Farming and Primary Co-operative for the blind, Barui-Driehoek Co-operative and Ms Abea Phakoe - a Farm Worker, were also competing with winners from other eight Provinces.
The competition which has been running since 1999, is a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Provincial Departments of Agriculture and Total SA. The programme was conceptualised to encourage and increase the participation of women, youth and people with disabilities in the sector.
Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana (Mrs)
Communication Services Directorate
Dept of Agriculture & Rural Development
Tel: 018 389 5719 / 5684
Cell: 082 901 2435
Fax: 018 384 4571
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za or mohlakoana.bonolo@gmail.com
