HARD-WORKING women farmers in Limpopo received awards for their contribution to the economy.
Agriculture and rural development MEC Nandi Ndalane celebrated with them at the provincial female entrepreneur awards ceremony last Thursday, held at Bolivia Lodge outside Polokwane, and encouraged them to work hard.
Ndalane told Daily Sun the women’s good work should be recognised.
“We’re very proud of those women who’ve taken pride in farming and realised they needed to succeed by working hard with the assistance of government.”
She said the government would continue to support women farmers.
“Through farming, we create food security and much-needed employment.
“We hope winners who received overnment programme support will go commercial and put their products on the export market.
“The department’s long-term ambition is to uplift women from being subsistence and smallhold producers to commercial businesswomen who venture into export.”
Ndalane said it was vital for women to occupy their rightful space in the economic development of the country through agriculture.
“These awards present a platform for women to expose their skill, passion, talent, dedication and hard work.”
She said over R2 million was invested in prizes for the participants.
“This money will play a motivating role for all our women farmers.”
She said it was very important to improve and grow the farming industry.
Representing the farmers, Pauline Maleka said: “We are the pillars of our economy and have to ensure it grows.”
She said farming needed hard work and passion to be successful.Winners were awarded trophies, certificates and vouchers.
