Agricultural journalist Alani Janeke has claimed third place in the second annual Future Agri Perspectives Women’s Voice Competition, marking her first entry into such competition and highlighting her dedication to weather reporting for the farming community.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The competition recognises exceptional women for their outstanding contributions to South African agriculture. The gala event took at Villa Arcadia on the Hollard campus in Parktown, Johannesburg
Alani’s recognition came after encouragement from an old friend in the industry, Lynette du Plessis, who nominated her and prompted her to enter the awards.
“She said to me, I want to nominate you to please go and enter. And I felt, okay, if someone’s backing me, this is a good decision,” Alani explained.
The awards process required participants to create a video describing their work, passions and focus areas within the agricultural sector. For Alani, this meant highlighting her specialisation in weather reporting – an area she has developed into one of her primary beats.
From Modest Expectations To Meaningful Achievement
Alani admitted she had modest expectations going into the competition. “I didn’t think I’m going to make it in any way. So being third is a blessing, yes,” she said, reflecting on her achievement.
Her gratitude extends beyond the recognition itself to those who supported her journey. “I phoned Lynette after they contacted me and told me I’m a finalist. She was the first person I phoned to say thank you for believing in me. And thank you for thinking that I am good enough,” Alani said about her friend who encouraged her entry.
The journalist acknowledges the internal doubts many professionals face: “Because that’s what you always have in the back of your mind. Are you actually good enough to do this? Just prompting you and pushing you to go ahead and do it.”
Alani’s focus on weather reporting stems from a deep understanding of its importance to the agricultural sector. She aims to provide both short- and longer-term forecasts to assist farmers in their decision-making processes.
“We try and assist the farmers, not just with shorter term, but also with longer term forecasts,” she explained. “We don’t have a glass ball. You’ll never completely know. But we try and help them make decisions for a coming season. It’s so important.”
Following In Grandfather’s Footsteps
This passion for weather reporting has unexpected personal roots. Growing up, Alani observed her grandfather’s dedication to weather updates, though she didn’t appreciate it at the time.
“Growing up, my grandfather would listen to weather reports continuously every morning. More than once every morning. The radio would be turned up when it’s the weather report. As a kid, I thought, no man… there must be something better to spend your time on. Why are you always listening to the weather?”
The irony is not lost on her: “And now I’m the first one to listen to the weather. I check my weather apps in the morning. And I have various weather apps on my phone just to make sure… this also forms part of being on top of the reporting.”
Gratitude For The Agricultural Community
Beyond personal achievement, Alani emphasised her appreciation for the agricultural community that has supported her work. “I’m so grateful to the whole African Farming and Landbouweekblad team. I’m so grateful to the sector for all the chances I’ve been given. And for everyone who’s assisted with stories.”
She specifically acknowledged those who contribute to her reporting: “People who call me with leads so that we can have some great stories. And of course, the people who actually read the stories and watch the videos. I’m just so grateful.”
The journalist recognises her role extends beyond traditional reporting to playing a part in agricultural communication overall, helping farmers stay informed and make crucial decisions based on weather patterns and forecasts.
Elaine van Eeden, a wheat breeder and researcher with 28 years of dedication to her craft in the Bethlehem region, claimed the overall winner’s title. Her unwavering commitment to wheat research and food security has positioned her as a leading voice in agricultural innovation. Working from research farms and greenhouses, Elaine has spent nearly three decades ensuring South Africa’s wheat production remains robust and sustainable.
