Now in its third year, the competition provides a platform for women to share their perspectives on issues affecting agriculture and rural communities across South Africa. It aims to encourage informed discussion on agricultural issues while amplifying women’s voices in industry and public discourse.
Johann Pretorius, director of Future Agri Perspectives Group, said the competition was more than an event, serving as a platform that demonstrated how women’s voices could influence communities, shape policy and accelerate progress in agriculture.
Magda du Toit, also a director of Future Agri Perspectives Group, said selecting only five finalists had been a difficult task due to the high standard of entries received from across the country. She said the wide range of topics reflected the important contribution women continue to make to South African agriculture while also contributing to the entrants’ own personal development.
“After reviewing the entries, it is a pity that only five finalists could be selected. It was clear that the possibilities are endless,” she said.
The finalists were Boniswa Kuhle Dlamini, a farmer from KwaZulu-Natal; Christel Basson, national marketing and communications manager at OVK; Petru Fourie, operations manager at the Animal Feed Manufacturers’ Association; Grietha van Rensburg, a farmer from Sannieshof and Carla Myburg.
During the final round, the finalists presented their views on topics of their choice and explained how these affected their agricultural careers, communities and the environment. Farmer’s Weekly general manager Gary Wium moderated the panel discussion, which tested their ability to present structured and well-reasoned arguments.
Myburgh was named the overall winner and received a cash prize of R10 000. She will also serve as an ambassador for women’s voices in agriculture.
Basson was named first runner-up, while Fourie placed third.
Following the final round of adjudication, Myburgh was named the overall winner of the 2026 Future Agri Perspectives Women’s Voices in Agriculture Competition. She received a cash prize of R10 000 and will serve as an ambassador for women’s voices in agriculture.
Christel Basson, national marketing and communications manager at OVK, was named first runner-up, while Petru Fourie, operations manager at the Animal Feed Manufacturers’ Association (AFMA), was named second runner-up. Boniswa Kuhle Dlamini, a farmer from KwaZulu-Natal, and Grietha van Rensburg, a farmer from Sannieshof, completed the group of five finalists.
In her acceptance speech, Myburgh encouraged women across the agricultural sector to recognise their place in the industry and believe in their ability to drive meaningful change.
“I wish that more women will act on the belief that agriculture is more than a job, but that it is a profession that comes from a deep-rooted passion. I see this competition as an opportunity to raise awareness of the vital role women play in agriculture and demonstrate that their leadership, resilience and innovation are not defined by gender,” she said.
A platform for discussion
The Competition aims to create a platform for women in agriculture to discuss issues affecting the sector and encourage informed, well-reasoned debate that contributes to public and industry discourse.
Andries Wiese, business development manager at Hollard, the competition’s main sponsor, said the finalists had brought fresh perspectives to issues affecting the agricultural sector.
“Our commitment to this event is a commitment to recognising, uplifting, and connecting women in agriculture. By amplifying their voices and celebrating their achievements, we help build a more inclusive and sustainable future for agriculture. Meaningful change happens through genuine partnership and a deep understanding of the people who make the sector thrive. As a key sponsor, Hollard helps amplify the voices of women shaping the sector and is a catalyst for positive and enduring change,” Wiese added.
Honouring agricultural pioneers
The event also recognised five women for their contribution to South African agriculture. They were Dr Fhumulani Ratshitanga, CEO of Fruit SA; Wiana Louw, general manager of the Southern African Grain Laboratory (SAGL); Dr Renée Prins, founding director of CenGen; Rona Beukes, senior statistician for crop estimates and agricultural statistics at the Department of Agriculture; and Annelise Crosby, legal specialist at Agbiz.
