Eastern Cape honours agricultural excellence in OR Tambo

The Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has honoured outstanding women farmers and extension practitioners during the OR Tambo District leg of the Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) and the Extension and Advisory Services Awards (EASA).

The awards ceremony, held on Thursday, 9 July 2026, recognised women who have excelled in agricultural production and agribusiness, while also celebrating extension officers who have provided exceptional technical support and advisory services to farming communities. OR Tambo became the fifth district to host the combined awards programme.

Representing the district, Deputy Director for District Coordination Andiswa Matinise praised farmers for their commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and helping to improve food security across the province.

“We proudly recognise and honour the work being done by farmers in the OR Tambo District. We would not achieve our mandate without our farmers. By 2030, we have a mandate to eradicate poverty and this cannot be achieved without your continued commitment,” she said.

Matinise also acknowledged the work of Extension and Advisory Services officials, describing them as the department’s “ground heroes” for their ongoing support to farming communities.

She said the officials continue to provide technical guidance that helps farmers improve production and overcome challenges.

Local farmer Andile Ndzendze encouraged farmers and extension practitioners to explore agro-processing opportunities to add value to agricultural products and access new markets. He also stressed the importance of protecting indigenous agricultural knowledge while adapting traditional products for commercial use.

Delivering the keynote address, Director for Extension and Advisory Services Noluvuyo Nqeno encouraged farmers to remain focused on their goals and embrace what makes their businesses unique.

She also called on experienced women farmers to mentor younger generations by involving them in areas such as bookkeeping, administration and the use of modern farming technologies to help ensure the sustainability of agricultural enterprises.

Nqeno noted that approximately 27% of households in the Eastern Cape continue to experience food insecurity and urged stakeholders to work together to strengthen the province’s agricultural sector.

She said supporting farmers and identifying new opportunities would be key to improving food security and building a stronger agricultural economy.

The Department of Agriculture said the district awards programme forms part of its ongoing commitment to recognising excellence, encouraging innovation, promoting women’s participation in agriculture and strengthening extension services across the Eastern Cape.

Winners

Women Entrepreneur Awards

• Best Smallholder Producer: Sofika and Van Zyl Trading Enterprise
• Best Commercial Producer: Tyhopho Trading Enterprise
• Best Agro-Processing Producer: Cberkie Projects & Innovations
• Overall Winner: Tyhopho Trading Enterprise

Extension and Advisory Services Awards

• Best Extension Practitioner (Candidate Natural Scientist): Yongama Zantsi (Winner), Bavuyise Sondzaba (Runner-up)
• Best Extension Practitioner (Certificated Natural Scientist): Thanduxolo Paliso (Winner), Nosihle Mfunduka (Runner-up)
• Legend/Lifetime Achiever Award: Dumisa Mlanjeni, who joined the department in 1990.