Ipeleng wins prestigious M&G Power of Women Award

Award-winning North West farmer Ipeleng Kwadi-Seboni has added another accolade to her growing list of achievements. She was recently honoured in Gauteng as the winner of the Mail & Guardian Power of Women 2025 Award in the agriculture and environment category.

This recognition aims to celebrate women who are not only transforming their fields but also inspiring others to reimagine what leadership looks like in the agricultural sector. According to organisers, the event pays tribute to the women who challenge limitations, shift narratives and lead with a purpose.

“These women are not only curating beautiful destinations, they’re building businesses, empowering communities, and showcasing the warmth. In the spirit of Women 20 (W20), this year we are celebrating women who turn the impossible into unstoppable,” the organisers said.

Ipeleng Kwadi-Seboni (far right) with her fellow winners in the category, Portia Mngomezulu and Tlhalefo Dithebe. Photo: Supplied/Food For Mzansi

Kwadi-Seboni said winning the award is both humbling and empowering. She said the award is a reflection of the hard work, passion, and resilience it took for her to thrive in the agricultural space, especially as a young woman leading in a field often dominated by older and male voices.

“For my operations, it’s a reminder that what we do on the ground, empowering youth, promoting sustainability, and shaping policy truly matters. It fuels my commitment to continue creating spaces for young people to take the lead in agriculture,” she said.

Kwadi-Seboni said what has kept her going is purpose. “Farming is not just about producing food; it is about feeding futures. Seeing young people get inspired, start their own projects, and find dignity in agriculture gives me strength. The land teaches patience, resilience, and reward, and those lessons keep me grounded and motivated every single day.”

She noted that her biggest highlight this year has been witnessing growth both in her livestock and in the young farmers she mentors.

“We’ve expanded our youth programmes, improved productivity on the farm, and contributed to meaningful dialogues on agricultural policy across the continent. Every milestone, big or small, reminds me that we’re building something that will outlive us,” she said.