Lien Visage, a community development worker at Donkerbos, near Rietfontein, has won the Witzenberg regional of the 2015 Farmworker of the Year competition, an initiative celebrating excellence in the Western Cape’s agricultural sector.

“South Africa has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality produce, which is enjoyed both here and in overseas markets. The Western Cape’s agriprofessionals are valuable players in driving this industry and ensuring we maintain this brand,” emphasized Western Cape Economic Opportunities Minister Alan Winde.

He said Visagie, who was involved with the crèche and aftercare on the Donkerbos farm and was also a shareholder of the Donkerbos Estate land reform project, was working hard to inspire residents in her area and was making a real difference. “I wish her well for the rest of the competition.”

“Nelson Mandela often said we are never too old to learn. I would like to draw on that and tell farmworkers [that] there are opportunities all around us. Get involved in activities, whether it is a Women’s Day event or planning a camp. With the right support from those around you, you can push forward and get to where you want to be in life,” Visagie advised.

Visagie would compete alongside the winners of the other regional competitions to be held over the next few months.

The Witzenberg competition was the first regional of the 2015 Farmworker of the Year competition and took place in Koue Bokkeveld at the Kaleo Manor Guest Farm, in Op-die-Berg, outside Ceres.

Entrants were interviewed by a panel of agricultural experts as part of the selection process on a range of issues, including transformation and their vision for the future of the sector.

Winners would be chosen in 11 categories, including best irrigation specialist, agroprocessing specialist and technical operator. Regional winners and runners-up would receive cash prizes and shopping vouchers from retail and fast-food company Shoprite.

The 2015 Farmworker of the Year would be announced at a gala function on November 13 at the Nederburg wine estate, in Paarl, receiving a cash prize and an overseas trip.

Since 2002, the Farmworker of the Year competition, cosponsored by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and Shoprite, has had over 6 000 entrants.