The Northern Cape’s Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development held its provincial Female Entrepreneur of the Year Competition in the Pixley Ka Seme District.
The competition took place on 12 August 2011 and it was an expression of the commitment of the department and its partners to ensure recognition and empowerment of women within the agricultural sector.
In her speech, the Premier of the Northern Cape Mrs Hazel Jenkins indicated that she was honoured to be part of the occasion to honour Female Entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
She further indicated that she was thrilled by the gesture of the department towards honouring women during the Women’s Month.
She hailed the women as exceptional who on a daily basis often go unnoticed while they contribute immensely towards turning the tide against poverty, hunger, malnutrition and disease.
‘These women are the foundation and the bedrock of our province and country. Through their hard work and diligence they feed and sustain our nation,' she said.
She also pointed out that the Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award has become a brand through which the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development recognises women's contribution in this country.
She concluded by saying the event highlights the pivotal role women play in society and that farming is not for the faint-hearted. It is an activity that requires immense perseverance, keenness and boundless energy.
Fifty seven participants contested in six categories: Best Female Farm Worker, Best Subsistence Producer, Top Young Entrepreneur, Top Young Entrepreneur: Smallholder, Top Entrepreneur: Commercial and Top Entrepreneur: Export.
Female entrepreneur of the year competition
Winners and runners up for 2011/12
The provincial competition serves as a build-up to the National Female Entrepreneur of the Year competition which will be held in March 2012.These six winners will represent the province in that competition.
The gala event was officiated by Premier of the Northern Cape, MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development together with politicians and stakeholders from the agricultural sector. This year’s competition was sponsored by Standard Bank and GWK.
Enquiries:
Sipho Mbaqa
Cell: 053 839 7831 or 083 456 6154
