The Women’s Insight Deliberation Competition seeks to create a platform for women in agriculture to discuss agricultural issues, and ultimately influence public and industry discourse. It aims to encourage well-thought-out and accurate deliberation of topics relating to agriculture.
Entrants had the opportunity to share their views on any aspect impacting on their lives or careers in agriculture or affecting their rural communities or the environment in general, and to say how they would bring about change.
‘The Women’s Insight Deliberation Competition provided the ideal platform and opportunity for women involved in agriculture to share their views on how boardroom decisions on policy matters, have an impact on their daily lives,” said Magda du Toit, event organiser.
The competition was made possible with the generous support of NWK, Hollard Insurance Group, Case IH SA, Syngenta Seeds, FNB, Edge Communications, FlexBox, Old Mutual, Farming Portal, Empire Fleet, Plantland, Grain SA, Landbou Radio, AgriNetwork-Consult, Magda du Toit Communications and Sanet du Plessis Art Design.
Johan Bezuidenhout, group manager: Corporate Marketing and Communications at NWK, looked at ten reasons why women should become agents of change in their communities and society at large. In his message to women in agriculture, he said: “Believe in yourself, believe in your abilities, live your passion. You are going to make mistakes along the way and make wrong decisions, but that’s part of life.” He also congratulated the finalists and everyone who was nominated. “We are excited to recognise these dynamic women in agriculture for their passion, energy and drive to make agriculture a career. We salute you and well done.”
Winner announced
Congratulations to Michelle Marais, the first winner of the 2023/2024 Women’s Insight Deliberation Competition. At a gala event held in Parktown, Johannesburg on 1 March, Michelle elaborated on her passion for creating opportunities for farmers in Africa and stressed that although young people must be enticed to enter the agricultural sector, it remained important that they are made aware of all the realities as well.
All women in agriculture aged 18 years and older were invited via various platforms to participate in this initiative. Each participant could air her views and participate in a debate to share her solutions for change.
“After reviewing the entries, it is a pity that only five finalists could be chosen. The entries emphasised the meaningful role women play in the agricultural sector. Each of the woman who submitted an entry is a testimony of the value women can bring to the table,” Corné Louw, Applied Economics and Member Services Lead at Grain SA, and convener of the adjudication panel said.
The finalists were:
- Lindi Botha, agri-communication specialist
- Yolandi Kruger. founder and director of Dunamis Agri Advisory Solutions
- Michelle Marais, project coordinator at Urban Farmer
- Prudence Thulisile Mokwena, farmer and founder of RBKM Chickens
- Karen Truter agriculturist
Honouring role-models
During the event five women who played pioneering roles in agriculture were also honoured. “Being a pioneer is not easy. It is quite challenging as it involves breaking new ground and facing a great deal of uncertainties. The agricultural sector in South Africa, are privileged to have these women playing meaningful roles in their specific roles,” CEO of Grain SA, Dr Tobias Doyer, pointed out.
The women who received special recognition as pioneers, are:
- Prof. Estie van Marle-Köster, associate professor University of Pretoria;
- Dr Langa Simela, business development manager at Absa;
- Mariana Purnell, former general manager Agbiz Grain;
- Dr Lukeshni Chetty, general manager Sansor; and
- Prof Hettie Schönfeldt, University of Pretoria.
