AGRICULTURAL NEWS - Isaac Ntoto is one of 16 finalists in the running for the title of Western Cape Prestige Agri Worker for 2018.
He was announced as the Garden Route regional winner in the Junior Management category at the George Agricultural Show in August, as well as overall winner, scooping the title of Garden Route Agri Worker of the Year.
Ntoto is one of six agricultural management graduates from the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) currently working for Professional Horticultural Consulting (Pty), Ltd (PHC) in George, which under its 'Garden of Eden' brand, is the largest exporter of strawberries in Southern Africa. Ntoto is junior manager on one of the company's five farms in Brandwag near Mossel Bay.
Director Gavin Linsley-Noakes, a part-time lecturer in Plant Sciences at NMU, said, "I have been able to identify and employ students with passion, and Isaac tops the list. He is a man of passion and integrity and has a hunger to learn. I was very proud when he was awarded the Farm Worker of the Year award for the Garden Route and I am confident that he will do well at the finals. We are so proud of you, Isaac."
On Tuesday morning, Ntoto spoke to the George Herald from Stellenbosch where the final round of the competition was being judged. He said being a finalist was a great reward for his hard work as junior manager. "I feel honoured and it makes me want to give and put more effort into the agricultural sector. We are trying to make sure that people have food on the table and promote food security in our country. It feels good to make an impact on our community by creating employment for local people and alleviate poverty in our area, especially in the location where we are. The strawberries are labour intensive, so we need a lot of labour force from August to January /February."
He was first appointed as a general worker on the farm, but his potential was spotted and soon he was appointed as supervisor. Last year, he was promoted to technical manager. He said his senior manager, Renier Beetge, introduced him to the competition.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
