After receiving three global awards this year for its ground-breaking media work, Food For Mzansi has now also been honoured with a top ministerial award from the Western Cape government.
Dr Ivan Meyer, the province’s minister of agriculture, presented the award to Food For Mzansi’s co-founders, Ivor Price and Kobus Louwrens, at the publication’s offices in Paarl this week.
He commended Food For Mzansi for creating a sense of enthusiasm for agriculture and also inspiring people across South Africa through its exemplary work as a shining star in agricultural media.
“The word enthusiasm means ethos. Ethos means filled with spirit. Food For Mzansi is absolutely filled with the spirit. When I see your articles, when I see your digital (news) platform, when I see your communication, when I see your hashtags, I love it!”
‘Injecting hope in hopeless society’
The minister also said that Food For Mzansi brings confidence to those who have lost hope. “Currently, what we see in South Africa is that people have low levels of hope. Covid-19 has contributed to that, as well as (the state of) our economy. So, all we can do… is to inject into society (a sense of) hope and confidence. And that confidence brought me here to acknowledge your work.”
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He said Food For Mzansi is agricultural ambassadors. “This is a great organisation, and I am happy that in my time as the minister I had the opportunity to recognise it on behalf of the government and on behalf of the people of the Western Cape. The work that you have done nationally is commendable. You may be a small organisation, but to me you are the bonsai tree of agriculture.”
While bonsais are naturally small it is a living entity without ever being demanding or damaging to the environment around it. Bonsai trees can live for hundreds of years and be treasured by generations to come.
Meyer also acknowledged the contribution of Food For Mzansi’s multi-award-winning digital partner, YehBaby Digital. He commended Ronelle Louwrens, chief executive of YehBaby, and her team for exemplary digital communication.
ALSO READ: ‘3 global media awards inspire Food For Mzansi to do better’
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