AGRICULTURAL NEWS - Ntombifuthi Mphetshwa from PHC Berries Groeneweide in George is the overall winner of the 2023 Garden Route Agri Worker of the Year.
Mphetshwa, who works in an administrative position, scooped up the award in front of the noses of 56 other agri workers who participated in 10 different categories in the Garden Route regional competition.
She was announced as winner at the awards function held on Wednesday 23 August at the King George Protea Hotel where Prof Raymond Auerbach, expert researcher on organic and natural food systems and member of the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa was the guest speaker.
Mphetshwa is also the winner of the Administrative Personnel category.
The other category winners are as follows:
- General worker: Annalise Goliath, PHC Berries Groeneweide
- Driver: Shawn Nobos, Kykbo Farm
- Irrigation Specialist: Luciano McBean, Zelpy
- Technical Operator: Nomawabo Manzi, PHC Berries Groeneweide
- Social Development: Amelia Phillips, Sinksaburg Crèche
- Foreman: Lee-Wayne Fortuin, Kykbo
- Junior Management: Siyamdumisa Ngcobo, PHC Berries Groeneweide
- Middle Management: Nico du Preez, Ahnalt
- Animal Production: Alfred Mayana, Oakhurst
- Best Potential: Abigail Esau, Southern Fruits Packers Avontuur
- Best Achiever Farm: PHC Berries Groeneweide
Garden Route Agri Worker of the Year Ntombifuthi Mphetshwa (centre) with distinguished guests, from left: Wayne Newman, Jacqueline Pandaram (Shoprite), Darryl Jacobs (Western Cape Agriculture Department Deputy Director-General) and guest speaker Prof Raymond Auerbach. Photo: Deidre Cloete
Provincial title competition coming up
All 15 regions in the province conclude their competitions by the end of August, with the provincial adjudication happening on 19 September.
Mphetshwa as well as all the Garden Route winners in the different categories will be competing for the provincial accolades. Mphetshwa will also be competing with other regional winners to determine the overall Western Cape Prestige Agri Worker for 2023.
The announcement of provincial winners will take place at a gala event in November.
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