The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform held the Women Entrepreneur Awards in Qumbu, recognizing the tremendous achievements of women in agriculture. These awards aim to celebrate the determination and resilience of female farmers by offering prize money in various categories, from subsistence to commercial farming.
Siphesihle Kwetana: The Overall Winner
Siphesihle Kwetana, a 28-year-old farmer from King Sabata Dalindyebo, emerged as the overall winner of the competition. In under five years, she has transformed her farming venture into a thriving business and has won several accolades, including first place in the commercial category. Kwetana plans to invest her R320,000 winnings in an ambitious aquaculture project, researching popular fish species for fish farming. Her diverse agricultural enterprise in Mthatha includes a piggery, poultry, vegetables, and seedlings that are sold at retail stores like Spar and Pick ‘n Pay. With her exemplary performance, Kwetana is eager to compete at the national level.
Kholiswa Dabula: A Story of Resilience
Kholiswa Dabula, a former bus driver, received the MEC Special Award – Disability, after surviving a brutal attack that left her partially blind. In the face of adversity, she started planting spinach in her backyard and selling the surplus. Dabula’s resilience and strength testify to the unyielding spirit of the women celebrated at these awards.
Eastern Cape Department’s Commitment to Women Farmers
MEC Nonkqubela Pieters emphasized the department’s commitment to supporting women farmers through funding, infrastructure, production, and livestock improvement schemes. The awards serve as an inspiration to future generations and remind us of the untapped potential of women in agriculture.
Notable Winners
Other notable winners at the event included Neziswa Mlenzana, who received the MEC Special Award – Youth; Nowangile Jolwana, the runner-up for the MEC Special Award – Woman with Disability; and Akhumzi Mkhontwana, who took home the award for Best Female Worker. Nomalizo Mafanga and Nontuthuzelo Mbebe won the Best Subsistence Producer and Best Smallholder Producer categories, respectively, while Nokuzola James won the Best Agro-Processor award. Sinovuyo Nzukuma, a livestock producer with over 100 cattle, finished as the runner-up in the Best Commercial Producer category.
Celebrating Women’s Achievements in Agriculture
The Women Entrepreneur Awards not only honor the accomplishments of women in agriculture but also serve as a powerful reminder of their strength and determination. The success stories of these female farmers inspire others to follow in their footsteps, ensuring a bright and sustainable future for the agricultural sector.
