Agri Awards plant the seed for future farmers

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GEORGE NEWS - The awards may be polished and proudly displayed, but for Siseko Ngqele of PHC Brandwag, they tell a story of early mornings in cold fields, hands in the soil and countless hours spent checking EC and pH levels, completing scouting sheets, monitoring yellow traps and analysing sap.

Ngqele was named the worker of the year at the Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards Garden Route Regional Gala at the Protea Hotel by Marriott King George on Friday 21 August. He also claimed the award for best technical operator.

Ngqele said he intends to use his experience to encourage the next generation to consider careers in agriculture. "Thank you to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture for this prestigious platform. You have made farm workers visible and reminded South Africa that agriculture is the backbone of our province," he said following the awards ceremony.

He also thanked sponsor Shoprite for "investing in the people who grow the food on your shelves", as well as the judges for their fairness and high standards.

"To my fellow farmers, you inspire me. Farming takes heart and sacrifice. To my family, thank you for understanding when I missed your calls because the berries needed attention.

"To my company, thank you for giving me a career, not just a job. You taught me that every plant and every worker matters. This win is yours."

PHC Brandwag, part of a group of farms that includes PHC Groeneweide and Soldaatskraal in Herold, was also named the best performing farm for the third time, while Nicodemus Pieterse of SAB Hop Farms: Afgunst received the award for best potential.

"Siseko is the third Garden Route district winner from our Brandwag farm. We have also had a national winner before, Isaac Ntoto," said PHC Brandwag farm manager Renier Beetge.

Although Ngqele is still new to the team, Beetge said he has already shown tremendous potential and a passion for agriculture.

"He quickly found his feet here and has a great deal of interest and a strong focus on detail, which is important for an intensive farming operation such as strawberry farming. We look forward to the future with Siseko on board, as well as to all the future awards on the horizon."

The afternoon also brought opportunities for further education, as Lauretta Damons and Zanadia Cornelius each received a R30 000 bursary from Infiniti Skills CEO Chantal Strauss to further their studies.

Click here for a list of the winners: GardenRoute_Winners_21Aug2026.pdf

WATCH: Siseko Ngqele speaks to Kristy Ayliffe after his win.

A delighted Zanadia Cornelius receives her bursary from the CEO of Infiniti Skills, Chantal Strauss.