Just days after his sudden death at 42, North West farmer Nkosana Mtimkulu was posthumously awarded the New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture 2025 award, a national honour presented at last night’s Agricultural Writers SA (AWSA) Awards at the Bergland venue outside Worcester.
Mtimkulu built Amanhle Farm into a thriving enterprise. He also mentored young farmers and created opportunities for women in agriculture, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire the sector.
After leaving a corporate career in 2010, Mtimkulu pursued dairy farming. He later pivoted to grain production. Amanhle Farm now produces non-GMO popcorn maize, wheat, and small white beans. The farm supplies Tiger Brands and PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Development Fund. Mtimkulu also hosted study groups and annual farmer days to help other farmers grow their skills and businesses.
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Beyond this tribute, the awards celebrated South Africa’s wider agricultural excellence. Over 120 farmers, researchers, agribusiness leaders, and communicators attended. Worcester, in the fertile Breede River Valley, provided a fitting backdrop for the event.
Marike Brits, chairperson of AWSA’s !Xhariep region and event organiser, said Worcester’s agricultural richness made it the perfect setting. “Hosting the nation’s agri elite here, with the beautiful Worcester mountains as backdrop, allows us to honour agricultural excellence.”
Lindi Botha, national chairperson of AWSA said, “As an industry, we are facing some of the most complex challenges of our time, from rising production costs and climate uncertainty to misinformation and shrinking media platforms. Yet every day, South African farmers and communicators prove that resilience is not just a word, but a way of life.”
Minister of agriculture John Steenhuisen congratulated all winners and highlighted agriculture’s importance. “I’m really proud to say that agriculture is holding up our economy in South Africa. The growth in yields, the strength of our harvests, and the innovation of our producers are all ensuring that South Africa’s economic future is secured.”
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He praised both the farmers being honoured and the communicators who tell their stories. “To all the members of AWSA, thank you for your incredible contribution in keeping our farmers, our sector, and our consumers informed about the big developments shaping agriculture.”
Steenhuisen commended the award recipients for their excellence and leadership. “You have risen to the very top, the pinnacle of agriculture in South Africa,” he said. “Thank you for showing the way, for inspiring others to follow, and for sharing your knowledge so that the entire agricultural sector can grow together.”
The 2025 award winners are:
Farmer of the Year 2025: Jan Grey
Jan Grey, a fourth-generation farmer at Janvos Estate in Brakfontein, Mpumalanga, oversees a 3 200-hectare enterprise. It includes a 650-cow dairy, Boran cattle stud, apple orchards, and extensive crop production. Each division operates independently for efficient, sustainable growth. Grey is also active in organised agriculture and community development.
New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture 2025 (posthumous): Nkosana Mtimkulu
Honoured for his vision, courage, and mentorship, Nkosana Mtimkulu transformed Amanhle Farm into a high-value cropping operation. He also supported youth, women, and fellow farmers through study groups and community initiatives.
Agriculturalist of the Year 2025: Dr Hendrik Smith
Dr Hendrik Smith, an agronomist and soil scientist from Gauteng, leads regenerative conservation agriculture initiatives. He directs the Conservation Agriculture Farmer Innovation Programme (CA FIP) at ASSET Research, helping commercial and smallholder farmers restore soil health and improve resource efficiency.
Dawie Maree, head of agriculture information and marketing at FNB, the awards’ platinum sponsor, said: “To all nominees and winners, congratulations. Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring, and FNB is proud to stand with you in celebrating your achievements.”
Excellence in Agricultural Journalism
The FNB Communicator Awards recognised South Africa’s top storytellers:
- Youth Communicator Award: Temba Msiza
- Business Category: Glenneis Kriel
- Print Media: Magda du Toit
- Broadcast Media: Thabi Modutoane
In the CropLife SA Awards, Corné Louw was recognised for outstanding support to crop protection. Glenneis Kriel won the best crop protection article.
In the Case IH Mechanisation, Data and Technology Awards, Lindi Botha received top honours. She also received the IFAJ Star Prize for Print Media at the IFAJ World Congress in Nairobi for her article “You are what your food ate: The health connection in the soil.”
Other winners included Carien Kruger (Japie Grobler Technical Article Award) and Susan Marais (Japie Grobler Investigative Article Award).
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