Rudolf Janse, irrigation specialist at Uitvlugt Farming in Eendekuil in the Overberg District, was awarded the Overberg Regional winner as part of the 2017 Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards competition.
The competition seeks to celebrate residents who work in the Western Cape’s agriculture sector.
The regional competition is one in a series of regional competitions which are taking place across the province until end September.
The Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards is co-sponsored by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and Shoprite.
Dr Johan van Deventer, general manager at Freshmark said they have been a proud sponsor of the competition for the past 6 years.
“Agri workers are the reason we’re able to sell fresh, quality produce in our supermarkets on a daily basis. It is wonderful to support an initiative aimed at uplifting individuals who make such a significant contribution to South Africa’s economy.”
Agricultural sector employees can be nominated to enter the competition by their colleagues or employer.
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said: “We’ve seen in the latest jobs numbers, released by Statistics South Africa, employment in our rural areas has grown by 9.2% over the past year. This is despite the ongoing drought affecting our agriculture sector. We have been able to achieve this growth in partnership with the women and men who work in our agriculture sector. Through this initiative, we want to turn the focus onto these residents, and celebrate the contribution they make to our economy. I wish all the entrants well over the next two months.”
A winner, runner-up and second runner-up will be selected in each of the following 11 categories:
General Worker
Tractor Driver
Administrative Personnel
Animal Production
Technical Operator
Irrigation Specialist
Social Development
Agri-processing
Foreman/woman
Junior Management
Middle Management
The winner in each category, the agri worker with the best potential and the overall winner in each region will go through to the provincial competition, which takes place in November this year. Since 2002, 9369 people have entered the competition.
