The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has unveiled an opportunity that promises to transform the landscape of women’s participation in agriculture. The announcement of the Phezukomkhono Awards 2025/2026 represents a significant milestone in recognising and celebrating the invaluable contributions of women entrepreneurs and farmworkers throughout the agricultural sector.

By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming

This initiative, spearheaded under the leadership of the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa, embodies a comprehensive approach to agricultural development that places women at the forefront of sustainable growth. The awards programme has been carefully designed to acknowledge and actively promote increased participation of women across the entire agricultural value chain, recognising that their involvement is crucial for the sector’s continued evolution and success.

Also read: Awards celebrate women’s contribution to agriculture

The ambitious scope of these awards extends far beyond simple recognition, as they are strategically positioned to support sustainable social and economic growth throughout rural communities across KwaZulu-Natal. By highlighting and rewarding excellence in agricultural practices, the initiative creates a ripple effect that strengthens local economies and empowers communities to build more resilient and prosperous futures.

The department said that central to the awards’ mission is the recognition of women’s fundamental contributions to food security, job creation, economic growth and poverty alleviation. These four pillars represent the cornerstone of rural development, and by celebrating women who excel in these areas, the programme not only honours past achievements but also inspires future generations to continue this vital work.

Also read: Our journalist Alani Janeke claims third place in industry awards

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for these prestigious awards, applicants must comply with the following requirements:

• Be South African citizens

• Have been operating for at least two years

• For businesses: Own or hold at least 80% shareholding of the business

• Submit applications through the official KZN DARD website (www.kzndard.gov.za).

Awards Categories and Prize Money

The competition features seven distinct categories, each recognising different levels of agricultural involvement:

Best Female Worker – R50 000

Recognises women with limited formal education performing physically demanding operational work in agriculture. Must demonstrate growth within farm operations for a minimum of two years.

Best Subsistence Producer – R100 000

Honours self-sufficient women producers focusing on feeding their families. Annual surplus turnover must not exceed R50 000.

Best Entrepreneurs: Smallholder – R150 000

Acknowledges women producing for both household consumption and market sales. Annual turnover must be between R50 000 and R1 million.

Best Entrepreneurs: Agro-processing (Smallholder) – R150 000

Celebrates women processing agricultural produce into finished products or byproducts. Annual turnover between R50 000 and R1 million.

Best Entrepreneur: Agro-processing (Commercial) – R200 000

Recognises commercial-level agro-processing operations with annual turnover between R1 000 001 and R10 million.

Best Entrepreneur: Commercial – R200 000

Honours established medium-scale commercial producers with annual turnover between R1 000 001 and R10 million.

Best Entrepreneur: Export – R200 000

Acknowledges women producing for export markets, with at least 50% of produce exported beyond South African borders.

Application Process and Deadlines

Application period: Monday, 13 October 2025 to Friday, 14 November 2025 (closing at 16:00)

Applicants must submit:

Completed application forms from the KZN DARD website
Professional profile with photographs
All relevant supporting documents as specified

District Submission Points

Applications can be submitted to any of the 11 district offices across KwaZulu-Natal:
Amajuba District, Newcastle
eThekwini Metro, Durban
Harry Gwala District, Kokstad
iLembe District, KwaDukuza
King Cetshwayo District, Eshowe
Ugu District, Port Shepstone
uMgungundlovu District, Pietermaritzburg
uMkhanyakude District, Jozini
uMzinyathi District, Dundee
uThukela District, Ladysmith
Zululand District, Ulundi

Impact and Significance

This initiative represents a significant investment in women’s agricultural empowerment, with more than R1.1 million in total prize money available. The awards not only provide financial recognition but also create platforms for women to share best practices and inspire others in their communities.

The Phezukomkhono Awards underscore KwaZulu-Natal’s commitment to inclusive agricultural development, recognising that women play a crucial role in food security and rural economic development.

Re-advertisement Notice

This is a re-advertisement of the awards programme, and all interested applicants who participated in the previous application window must resubmit their applications to be considered for the 2025/2026 awards.

For more information and application forms, visit www.kzndard.gov.za or contact your nearest district office.