Kopanang Primary Agricultural Co-operative from Gopane village in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, Ngaka Modiri Molema District, has won the provincial prestigious DAFF Female Entrepreneur Award for 2014, grabbing R1.7 million worth of infrastructure support. The co-operative was announced as the provincial overall winner at a glittering awards ceremony hosted by the Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development in the North West province. The event was held last night, Friday 15 August, at Rio Hotel in Klerksdorp.
The co-operative which scooped the category for Top Entrepreneur Processing and triumphed over other categories’ winners, comprises five women who are processing animal fat to make hydra bar soaps.
Addressing the ceremony which was attended by more than 500 women and stakeholders in the agriculture sector, the North West Premier Mr Supra Mahumapelo said the nature of this female empowerment programme fits well into the conceived plan of rebranding, repositioning and renewal of the province.
“Having resolved to make agriculture our number one priority in terms of economic development, I wish to express my confidence in the work being done by women of this province, which is proof enough that together, we are committed to uplifting the standard of agriculture in our province”, said Premier Mahumapelo.
“I urge you to remain firm in your resolve to create wealth for our people, and I encourage you to never give up in this regard”, advised Mahumapelo.
Expressing their excitement at the recognition bestowed upon them, the founder and chairperson of Kopanang Primary Agricultural Co-operative, Ms Motlalepula Moroeng said their winning calls for more hard work on their part and creation of more local jobs.
Moroeng who started the project in 2012, says they collect animal fat from the local abattoirs and at local events, which they process to produce bar soaps that are SABS approved. The soaps are sold within the local communities, around and outside the province.
Seventeen (17) women-owned projects qualified for participation in this year’s competition, in five categories, and the Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development will provide infrastructure support worth R500 000 and R750 000 for respective category winners. These category winners will represent the province at the national DAFF Female Entrepreneur Awards ceremony to be held at Mmabatho Convention Centre on Friday, 22 August 2014.
The DAFF Female Entrepreneur Awards is an empowerment programme which is in its 15th year, and was initiated to recognise, celebrate, honour and reward the continuous contribution made by women in the fight against hunger, poverty and unemployment among the rural communities. The awarding ceremony is held annually during the month of August and culminates in a national awarding ceremony where winners from all nine provinces vie for national awards in their respective categories.
Enquiries:
Ms Bonolo Mohlakoana
Acting Provincial Head of Communication
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
