The Ehlanzeni District has awarded the best-performing officials within the agriculture sector. These are officials who promote information sharing on best extension practices, innovation and professionalism, and for providing best farmer support services.
They were acknowledged during the recent District Extension Summit held in Malalane on Thursday September 8.
The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs said this summit recognised best performers for the 2021/22 financial year, held under the theme “Linking knowledge through collaboration to action for food security and livelihoods”.
The winners and their categories are Thandeka Shabangu (best agricultural adviser), Alex Mamba (best senior agricultural adviser), Michael Magongwa (best subject matter specialist), Murhandiwani Shivambu (best support services) and Maud Nkosi (best manager).
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Shabangu, who was awarded the best agricultural adviser, said she was happy to have won this title. She said she had to do a presentation in front of judges on her innovative idea that she introduced to help ease challenges faced by farmers.
“I formed a secondary co-operative concept. The primary co-operative farmers come together and formed a group in which they are able to buy things as a group, equipment that they use, feeds, vaccines and many other things they need. This allows them to buy things in bulk from the suppliers and for a cheaper price. They are able to save money, and since they are on a secondary level, they are able to buy directly from the supplier, too.”
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Shabangu said with this idea, she managed to reach and surpass her target. She was encouraged to come up with this concept because their aim was to see these farmers being able to sustain themselves.
The officials competed at the district level in the above mentioned categories, and the winners will also represent the district in the provincial awards, at a date yet to be confirmed.
