Honoring Female Agricultural Pioneers: Women Entrepreneurs Recognized at Western Cape Awards in 2025

Celebrating Women's Empowerment in Agriculture: The Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture recently organised an event to commemorate Women's Month, with the theme "Accelerating Action for All Women's Rights, Equality and Empowerment." The event, held in the Percheron Hall, Elsenburg on Thursday, 28 August 2025, recognised outstanding women in agriculture across various categories.

Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, and Jane Sithole, national Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, addressed the gathering. Minister Meyer emphasised the future of agriculture in the Western Cape as female, innovative, resilient, and unstoppable. He acknowledged the critical role of officials within the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, specifically CFO Lindi Govender and Deputy Director General, Dr Ilse Trautmann, in supporting women entrepreneurs.

The Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025 honoured women who are not only cultivating the land but also hope, innovation, and resilience. Their achievements are victories for their communities and for South Africa. Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, the Head of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, stated that the event aims to mainstream the role of women in agriculture as key stakeholders in South Africa's economic transformation.

The awards recognised women across four categories: Best Female Worker, Best Subsistence Producer, Best Smallholder Producer, and Best Commercial Producer. Winners included Adre Prins, Zokhanya Bikani, Yumna Monier, and Debbie Theunissen. Minister Meyer reiterated the commitment to unlocking entrepreneurship as a driver of inclusive economic growth through the Growth for Jobs Strategy.

In her address, Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, Jane Sithole, encouraged women to continue writing their own stories. She highlighted that women in agriculture are cultivating hope by turning small plots into thriving enterprises.

Minister Meyer awarded certificates of acknowledgement for exceptional leadership to Wendy Petersen, CEO of the SA Olive Association, and Mariette Kotze, General Manager of Hortgro. The importance of the guidance and support provided by these officials in building an inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector was emphasised throughout the event.

The Women Entrepreneur Awards 2025 was attended by senior government officials, industry partners, and nominees. The event culminated with Minister Meyer concluding by stating that the guidance and support of these officials are essential in building an inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector. These awards serve as a testament to the strides being made in empowering women in agriculture and fostering a more equitable and prosperous agricultural sector in South Africa.