By Maile Matsimela
The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is pleased to announce the 2025 Women in Agriculture (WEA) Awards competition. This initiative aims to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of women entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector across the Free State Province.
The competition features the following categories for recognition:
- Best Female Worker – Recognising excellence among women employed in the agricultural sector
- Best Subsistence Producer – Honouring women who excel in small-scale farming for household consumption
- Best Smallholder Producer – Celebrating women who operate small-scale commercial agricultural enterprises
- Best Agro-Processor – Acknowledging women who add value to agricultural products through processing
- Best Commercial Producer – Recognising women operating large-scale commercial agricultural enterprises
- Best Exporter in the Sector – Honouring women who have successfully expanded into international markets
To qualify for the competition, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be involved in agricultural activities for at least two years on a full-time basis.
- Must be a South African female youth, woman or woman living with disabilities.
- Government employees are not eligible to enter the competition.
- The enterprise must be registered in the entrant’s name.
- Women must constitute the majority ownership by 80%.
- Applicants must provide proof of their ownership and/or involvement in management. decision-making aspects of the entity.
The Executive Authority’s decision is final.
Application closing date: Extended to 13 June 2025
Nomination forms are available at:
- Provincial Office
- District Offices
District contacts:
- Mangaung:
Dikeledi Ndaba, 066 475 9160 - Xhariep:
Ntlafatso Ntsimanyane, 081 045 6196 - Thabo Mofutsanyana:
Florence Radiopane, 065 576 2638 - Lejweleputswa:
Bethani Mathe, 081 045 1392 - Fezile Dabi:
Nosi Mnyaiza, 066 475 9044 - Provincial Office:
Hope Maduna, 078 885 5725
The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is committed to supporting and promoting women’s participation in the agricultural sector. This awards programme is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to recognise excellence, foster innovation, and celebrate the achievements of women in agriculture.
The department operates under the theme “30 Years of Freedom – Leave No One Behind” and can be followed on these social media platforms:
* Facebook: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
* Twitter: @fs_dardea
* Instagram: @fsdardea
