The !Xhariep region of Agricultural Writers South Africa (AWSA) celebrated excellence in agriculture at its 2025 awards ceremony on the evening of Friday, 3 October, at Klein Joostenberg, outside Stellenbosch.
A highlight of the evening was Anton Viljoen, founder of Villion Farms, being named Western Cape Farmer of the Year, the evening’s top accolade. His journey is a story of vision, discipline, and people-first leadership. He farms in the Western Cape and Northern Cape, with operations spanning the Hex River Valley, Nuy Valley, Piketberg, and Upington.
Since founding Villion Farms in 2014, he has grown a multi-regional enterprise producing table grapes, citrus, and raisins, employing thousands at peak season, and exporting over 2.1 million cartons annually. Under his guidance, Villion Farms has become a model of innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility in South African agriculture.
Honouring farmers
“Anton Viljoen exemplifies what it means to lead with vision and care, not only for crops but for the people who make farming possible,” said Marike Brits, chairperson of !Xhariep AWSA. “His success sets a benchmark for the next generation of farmers and reminds us all why agriculture remains at the heart of our communities and economy.”
Other distinguished 2025 award winners included:
- Western Cape New Entrant to Commercial Farming: Sydney Claassen from Stellenbosch. He progressed from farmworker to commercial farmer, building a thriving 12-hectare vegetable enterprise supplying leading retailers, including Woolworths. His focus on sustainable practices and mentoring fellow farmers has made Pinehaven Farm a respected name in the region.
- Eastern Cape New Entrant to Commercial Farming: Vumile Mzinzi from Matuana Agencies in Mount Fletcher. With over 530 hectares of arable land, he manages a diversified operation including maize, potatoes, soybeans, and livestock. His careful planning, scientific approach, and hands-on management have driven consistently strong results.
- Northern Cape New Entrant to Commercial Farming: Elize Gerda Beukes from G&E Beukes Boerdery in Eksteenskuil, outside Upington. She runs a mixed farm producing vineyards, peanuts, lucerne, and rotationally grazed livestock. Her commitment to professional development and sharing knowledge with aspiring farmers has made her an influential figure in the sector.
- Eastern Cape Agriculturalist of the Year: Quade Sing Jam, a compliance specialist from CropLife South Africa. He is nationally recognised for his expertise in pesticide safety, compliance, and stewardship, particularly at farm level. Through training, workshops, and guidance on regulations, he has improved safety, sustainability, and operational standards across the sector.
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The event also featured a keynote address by André Brink, fourth-generation owner of Groot Phesantekraal in the Durbanville Wine Valley and AWSA National Farmer of the Year for 2024. He spoke about his year as AWSA Farmer of the Year and what the title meant to him.
Guests were entertained by Clayton Mentoor (27), a seasonal pome fruit worker at Kromco near Grabouw and runner-up on Agri’s Got Talent 2025.
Speaking about the importance of agricultural journalism, Brits said, “Agricultural journalism and communications play a vital role in connecting farmers, industry experts, and the wider public, ensuring that the achievements, challenges, and innovations of our sector are shared and celebrated.”
She extended AWSA’s gratitude to its sponsors – NedBank, Old Mutual, Agri Western Cape, and Van Loveren for their generous support, which makes events like this possible and helps continue to shine a spotlight on South African agriculture.
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