Limpopo scoops three national extension and advisory service awards

Three extension officers attached to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Waterberg district were among the top national winners during the second National Extension and Advisory Awards ceremony held in Mahikeng last Wednesday.
Rendani Murovhi was awarded as Best Agricultural Advisor, Reuben Maakamedi for Best Agricultural Extension Supervisory Service and Rose Tsamai for mentoring the 2018 National Female Commercial Farmer of the Year, Pauline Maleka who also won the provincial award in the same category. The winners received trophies, certificates and prize money to the amount of R50 000 each.
When congratulating the trio during a special ceremony on Tuesday, Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Basikopo Makamu stated that of late the department has been receiving awards thick and fast in recognition of their excellent work. He applauded the officers for adding to the department’s reservoir of excellence and flying the provincial flag high on the national stage.
“Your victories are the victories of your fellow extension and advisory officers. They are also the victories of the department and the province. The good news of your victories is that they are due to the work you do for and with farmers, emerging farmers to be precise. The citation for the awards stated that the awards were conferred in honour of the extension and advisory officers who have gone beyond the call of duty in ensuring that the farmers of the country get the necessary support,” Makamu quoted.
He added that going beyond the call of duty is what all government officials are called upon to do on a daily basis. He further emphasised that the trio have set the bar high and all the other extension officers must rise to their level and beyond. He thanked them for bringing one more set of awards home and reiterated that the department was proud of them.
Head of Department (HOD) Jacqueline Maesela also congratulated the winners and thanked them for being passionate about their job and walking an extra mile regardless of the obstacles. She reckoned that the awards would encouraged other officials to follow suit and deliver services to the people as requested.
Speaking on behalf of the winners, Maakamedi stated that it was an honour to be acknowledged by the department leadership. He said the occasion meant a lot to them and it encourages them to work even harder because they are certain that their efforts won’t go unnoticed. He pledged that they would share their knowledge and skills with other officials to help farmers improve on their agricultural production.

Story & photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za