LIMPOPO – Musina Mayor Godfrey Mawela congratulated Salome Madida, the Female Farmer of the Year’s best commercial winner, saying her victory came as no surprise, since Musina is regarded as the food basket of Vhembe.
Mawela, who was joined by Vhembe Mayor Dowelani Nenguda, Vhamusanda Phatutshedzo Mabulo and officials from the Vhembe Department of Agriculture, spoke after his municipality emerged as the winner during the 2023 Female Farmer of the Year competition, which was held in the Muswodi Tshisimani community hall on August 25.
“We are excited when one of our own farmers emerges as the winner. As the local municipality, we will do our best to support our female farmers, who keep lifting our flag higher and higher,” said Mawela.
The Female farmer of the Year competition was initiated by the Department of Agriculture in 1999 to encourage and increase the participation of women in agricultural activities.
The event itself awarded the efforts and contribution of women in matters of food security through backyard and large-scale production as well as value-chain activities.
Over the years, it became an empowerment platform that recognises the entrepreneurial skill of women in the sector. In some cases, the women became a valuable pool for placement and to transform various boards of state-owned entities.
This annual event is held at local level municipalities, districts, at provincial level and culminates with the National Female Farmer of the Year awards taking place at the end of Women’s Month.
Madida, who works under Nwanedi Farmers, was over the moon to hear she was announced as the winner. Her farm spans 30 hectares and she grow tomato, butternut, chillies and vegetables.
Her enterprise, known as Matandamavhili Farm Trading and Projects, has thus far created jobs for 73 people and have an annual turnover of more than R800 000.
Nenguda said all participants in the competition have demonstrated innovation, creativity and extraordinary efforts in improving existing farming systems.
Winners in their respective categories each received R25 000, a certificate and 50kg fertiliser sponsored by Farm City in Thohoyandou.
Other awards:
Best female worker: Muphulusi Khwareli.
Best subsistence producer: Mulalo Magidimisa.
Top entrepreneur small holder: Valley Group Framing.
Top entrepreneur, processing: Rendani Mamphitha.
