award
2 September 2006
The 2002 provincial and national winner in the informal market category, Ms
Nancy Rakatoa of Modikwe village in the Bojanala district, has proven her
innovative agricultural skills for the second time, by winning this yearâs
provincial Female farmer of the year award. Rakatoa whose Faranani Nursery won
her the best producer for National Markets, was declared a winner at a
glittering gala dinner ceremony held at Rustenburg Hedgehog Nest on Friday
night.
Rakatoa established Faranani Nursery at her backyard in 1994 after she was
retrenched as a nursery assistant at a local farm that she worked for since
1980. With no formal nursery education, she then decided to utilise the
expertise she has on this field to make ends meet. For the past 11 years the 47
year old Rakatoa who has employed about 15 nursery assistants, has been
supplying private and commercial nurseries in and around Rustenburg, Brits and
other parts of Gauteng province with well-produced plants.
Among her achievements, Rakatoa managed to grow her production from 0,25 ha
of land to the current 1,25 ha. She also assisted one woman who was her former
colleague at the farm to start her own nursery in Hartebeesfontein. The woman
was also able to take up her market to the local stalls.
Ms Rakatoa, who entered and won the Informal Market category in 2002,
complied with the National Female Farmer requirements to qualify for the
National Market category by showing commitment and ensuring sustainability.
Congratulating the 2006 North West Female Farmer of the year, MEC for
Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Mandlenkosi Mayisela who was visibly
thrilled said, "There was no way that Ms Rakatoaâs exceptional job could have
gone unnoticed. She has demonstrated development and success in a recognisable
way."
She walked away with a total amount of R30 000. Ms Nancy Rakatoa will again
represent the North West province at the National Female Farmer of the year
event, to be held on the 26th of this month in Durban.
"I am dedicating this award to young and upcoming female farmers who are
beginning to realise the wealth that can be found in the land. I want to assure
them that commitment and dedication lead to success. I also want to thank the
department for having faith in me and I am optimistic that I will bring the
national award to the North West province," said the excited Nancy Rakatoa.
Enquiries:
Bonolo Selloane
Cell: 083 504 3874
Tel: (018) 389 5459
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, North
West Provincial Government
2 September 2006
Source: North West Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment
(http://www.nwdace.gov.za)
