The Women and Young Entrepreneurs Awards 2025 was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a stirring call to action.
By Maphuti Mongatane, Business Development Manager at African Farming
At the Women and Young Entrepreneurs Awards 2025, held on 26 August in Gauteng, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, Gauteng MEC of Agriculture, delivered a keynote address that left the audience inspired, challenged and hopeful for the future of agriculture in the province and across South Africa.
Celebrating Women’s Courage And Legacy
Ramokgopa anchored her message in the spirit of South Africa’s history, drawing from the courage of the approximately 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in 1956 and the fearless youth of 1976. “We reflect on these moments in history not to be trapped by them, but to remind ourselves that as beneficiaries of their courage, we too have a role to play,” she said.
She reminded women and youth that they are not victims of circumstance but drivers of change and leaders of industries. “We are the ones who will shape not just the future of the agricultural sector but the future of this country,” she declared.
Honouring Everyday Heroes In Agriculture
The MEC stressed that the event was not only about recognising high-profile entrepreneurs, but also about the “everyday heroes” who make agriculture thrive, from women cultivating backyard gardens to feed their families and communities to small-scale farmers supporting NGOs, orphanages and schools.
“We no longer want to be the face of poverty or hunger. We are willing to take our place at the table, not just for ourselves but for future generations,” she said.
Tackling Inequality And Access
Ramokgopa spoke candidly about the inequalities that persist in agriculture. Although women produce 80% of the food in Africa, they benefit from less than 1% of the value generated. The average age of a farmer on the continent is 62 years old, whereas the median age of Africans is 19. This gap threatens the future of food security unless youth are intentionally integrated into the sector.
“Unless we are intentional about bringing young people into agriculture, this industry will die in the hands of the former generation,” she warned, underscoring the urgency of youth empowerment.
. Photo: Supplied
Building Systems That Outlive Generations
The MEC outlined the province’s commitment to building institutions, programmes and financing models that would outlive current leaders. She highlighted ongoing work with the Land Bank, commercial banks and private partners to unlock affordable finance, and pointed to the R100 million blended finance Agro-Processing Fund launched recently in partnership with the National Empowerment Fund.
Agricultural education was another highlight. Ramokgopa announced partnerships with Corteva Agriscience and other seedling companies to revitalise Mahali Secondary School of Specialisation into a centre of excellence for agricultural education. “I dream of a day when our children will fight to be admitted to this school, because it will be the number one agricultural school on the continent,” she said.
Technology, Safety And Climate Action
Addressing challenges of land, finance, safety and climate, Ramokgopa affirmed the government’s commitment to act decisively. She praised young farmers who are already embracing climate-smart practices, vertical farming, hydroponics and digital platforms, and encouraged more innovation to build sustainable and competitive value chains.
She also stressed the importance of farm safety and climate disaster support, noting the devastating effects of floods and fires. Partnerships with insurance providers and law enforcement are being strengthened to secure farmers’ livelihoods.
A Vision For Food Security And Dignity
Closing her address, Ramokgopa invited the audience to dream boldly with her: “I dream of a day when no child in Gauteng goes to bed hungry. A day when every child can wake up to a warm meal grown by our local farmers, go to school on a full stomach and thrive in safe communities. If our dreams do not scare us, they are not big enough.”
Her speech was not only a celebration of women and youth in agriculture but also a clarion call to claim space, lead with courage and secure a prosperous, food-secure future for Gauteng and beyond.
