Building resilient farmers was the key message during the Toyota SA/Agri SA Young Farmer, New Harvest Farmer and the Communal Farming Association of the Year Awards, where top farmers in the industry were honoured for their dedication and hard work.
The event was a celebration of the resilience and commitment of farmers in South Africa, who play an essential role in feeding the nation and contributing to its economic development.
Gratitude to the farmers
Leon Theron, senior vice president of Toyota, said when the president named three pillars for rebuilding the country’s economy, logistics featured prominently.
“As Toyota South Africa, we are involved in one of those pillars, which is the logistics side because it affects us. It affects our business radically,” he said.
His appreciation for farmers continued by and he noted that farmers should be proud of themselves for employing a million people.
“About 16.5% of households depend on agriculture, and your contribution as farmers to the gross domestic product (GDP) of this country in 2021 was 4,7% and last year it was 2%,” he added.
READ NEXT: Grab your tickets now for Food For Mzansi’s 5th birthday gala
A huge boost
The winner of the Communal Farming Association category is Eksteenskuil Agricultural Cooperative, which farms mostly raisins in the Northern Cape. Eksteenskuil was awarded R150 000 in prize money.
In accepting the award on behalf of the cooperative, Clinton Visagie stated that they are in dire need of vehicles for their administrative staff and that the prize money will be of great assistance in that regard.
He said winning the competition for an organisation that has had issues in the past years, is a big accomplishment for them because they are now suffering financial challenges, particularly because the previous three harvest years were not great.
“Currently, in the agricultural sector, we must stand together. We are 107 small-scale farmers, and if you stand together, you can achieve great things,” he said.
READ NEXT: Human’s trio of agri technologies brim with solutions
Big win a blessing for all
Naeem Jina, a mango farmer and horse breeder from Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, walked away as the winner of the Toyota New Harvest Farmer of the Year.
Jina described the win as a God-given blessing for him and the rest of his family, as well as a sign of the hard work and efforts put into the company by his devoted employees.
“I will continue to work hard towards a better greener way of farming. [And] Also to continue to create more employment, and lastly, to bring quality products to our beautiful country,” he said.
Malan is the top dog
Jimie Malan is the Toyota SA Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year. He farms with Malanseuns, the wholesale plant growers and online business situated in Pretoria, as well as a game farm and cattle farm in Bela-Bela, Limpopo.
Malan considers winning a huge honour, especially given his passion for his business; to do it every day and his desire is to become better than the day before.
He stated that the victory was for everyone, including his family, notably his wife Jolandie Malan, and the rest of his employees.
“I am very positive for the future. It really inspired me to hear their stories (fellow competitors) and to hear what they have done. This year, I am just gonna spend a lot of time visiting these guys and listening to their stories,” he said.
He stated that farming in South Africa is becoming an old uncle sort of activity and that the next generation must now take it in. He also thanked Agri Gauteng for their continuous support.
ALSO READ: Dairy industry needs to milk sustainability and woo the youth
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
