GRAAFF-REINET AGRICULTURAL NEWS - The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) in conjunction with Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) as well as Old Mutual, held an event to award female entrepreneurs.
Bafazi Phambili from Jansenville's dedication and hard work paid off as she was awarded the best overall worker, as well as best subsistence farmer, best smallholder and best female worker.
Francis Martins from Graaff-Reinet was awarded the prize as second runner-up in the best female worker category. She works as a Senior Supervisor at Karoo Catch.
The award ceremony took place in the Jansenville Town Hall on 26 June. This is an annual event, which is aimed at celebrating women entrepreneurs in agriculture.
The winners from all categories with their achievements.
"The event was classy, with entertainment and motivational speakers to encourage the women to continue their sterling work," said Natasha Peterson, regional communication coordinator for the Sarah Baartman District - Government Communication and Information System.
"Although the event celebrates women who are already working in farming, the message of encouraging women to start farming or to turn their small farms into businesses was once again reiterated."
The prizes for each category ranged from R5 000 to R30 000.
DRDAR encouraged women to take farming seriously, as it is an important part of our economy and helps to reduce unemployment.
Communities in the Karoo are proud of both Phambili and Martins' excellent achievements.
Bafazi Phambili, based in Jansenville, won the category for best smallholder and were also awarded the prize for best overall winner.
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