A R730 000 prize pool was awarded to young agripreneurs, while women leaders in agriculture received a total of R1,92 million in support.

The event drew inspiration from the legacy of the women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in protest of the apartheid regime, connecting their courage to the determination of today’s young farmers and agripreneurs, the department said in a statement.

In her address at the awards ceremony, Gauteng MEC for Agriculture Vuyiswa Ramokgopa praised the winners for their vision and adaptability.

Work harder and smarter

“The future of farming is not only about working harder; it’s about working smarter. Technology frees women from repetitive labour and gives the youth tools to turn ideas into enterprises. Your work feeds communities, strengthens the economy, and ensures food security. Today, we celebrate your achievements and commit to supporting your growth.”

Past winner Oarabile Njoro reminded participants that the awards were about more than recognition; they were also an investment in sustainable agriculture.

“Recognition is a stepping stone. Collaborate, keep learning, and never stop dreaming bigger. Agriculture is wide enough for all of us to grow together. The road won’t always be easy, as droughts, pests, floods, and financial challenges will test you. But every challenge makes you stronger, and every success tells a story of hope, opportunity, and sustainability in South African agriculture.

“Nurture the seed you carry within [you]. Your work feeds families, strengthens the economy, and inspires the next generation,” he said.

Sophy Litshani Musabeni, vegetable farmer and CEO of Vhegies, walked away with top honours at the awards, earning the titles of overall winner in the Women Entrepreneur category and best exporter in the industry.

Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Musabeni said: “I feel deeply honoured and humbled to have received this recognition. Winning this award is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion I have invested in agriculture.

What made it possible was the support of my community, the knowledge I have gained through training and continuous learning, and the determination to make a positive impact in farming.

“This award motivates me to keep striving for excellence, transfer skills to young people, and contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture. It is proof that when you stay committed, your efforts will be noticed and rewarded.”

Young agriprenuers driving job creation

Dimpho Xaba, founder and director of Thusanang Bakone Group, was named Best Youth-owned Commercial Producer in Gauteng and overall winner of the Young Entrepreneur category.

Xaba said he started his company in 2016 with the sole purpose of creating economic opportunities for its directors and the communities it operated in through job creation.

“We are currently leasing a 136ha government-owned farm in Pretoria North. We are growing grains like wheat and barley on 52ha under irrigation, rotating them with soya bean. In the past, we planted potatoes. Our produce is sold at AFGRI in Brits.

“We also keep bees, harvest honey sustainably, and process it into finished products. We directly sell to consumers,” he said.

Commenting on the awards, Xaba said: “We are excited about these two notable awards. However, we prepared well to arrive here. Last year, we took second position and it was our aim to achieve position one this year. Hard work led to us to being recognised. We are also involved in developing young farmers in the province.”

Keneilwe Raphesu won the 2025 Youth Entrepreneur Award in the Best Smallholder category. She is a farmer and agricultural consultant and runs Mogalemone, a mixed farming enterprise focused on grain and livestock production.

She is also dedicated to training, mentoring, and empowering emerging farmers to build sustainable businesses.

Raphesu said she was honoured to be awarded: “What made this possible was being fully compliant, having all the required documents in place, and maintaining a strong record-keeping system that reflects the growth and sustainability of my business.

“This recognition shows that with discipline, resilience, and passion, young farmers can build enterprises that not only produce food but also create opportunities for others.”

She added that compliance, while often overlooked, was key to growth and recognition in agriculture.

“[Compliance] not only builds credibility with stakeholders and funders but also demonstrates professionalism and accountability. This award proves that when farmers take compliance seriously, it opens doors to opportunities, partnerships, and long-term sustainability. Winning is not just about production; it’s about running [a] farm as a structured business.”