GEORGE NEWS - George Mayor Leon van Wyk this week met with the 2021 Garden Route farm worker of the year, Hennie Dollies (36) of the Van Greunen Boerdery on the outskirts of George.
George Herald reported last year on his victory in the annual competition hosted by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture to reward and recognise farm workers and their achievements.
Dollies was also the winner of the animal production category in last year's competition.
In a special meeting with Dollies and Nelius van Greunen, CEO of Van Greunen Boerdery, Van Wyk lauded Dollies for his dedication and hard work.
"It has truly been an honour to meet Hennie. I want to encourage all other farm workers to do their best and to also pursue such achievements,” he said.
Dollies joined the Van Greunen Boerdery about 15 years ago as a general farm worker, moving up the ladder to the position of production assistant manager. He spoke with the mayor about what the competition entailed, saying that the news of his victory had been totally unexpected. It was the first time he had entered such a competition.
"What was even more surprising was to win the farm worker of the year award in addition to the animal production category. I felt honoured. I never thought that I could win."
Van Greunen said they are proud of Dollies, a diligent employee who deserves the award.
"Hennie is a model of the expression of growth and opportunity in someone's life. He worked his way up from the lower ranks through hard work and by not shying away from responsibility. In the process he has acquired insight into what agriculture and farming is all about.
"We are proud of all our staff members who over the past years have been part of the growth and success of our enterprise. We are grateful to the Western Cape Department of Agriculture for this competition as it is a wonderful way of acknowledging people living and working on farms and the role they play in the broader community,” said Van Greunen.
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