19
December 2013
and said: “Growth shows that this programme works.” Other speakers
were Messrs Bennie de Klerk (Profert) and Danie Retief (Standard
Bank), Ms Magda du Toit (Monsanto), Mr Karabo Pele (chairman of the
Maize Trust) and Mr Victor Mahlinza, a farmer from KwaZulu-Natal, who
encouraged farmers by sharing his story wearing colourful trousers to
symbolise the rainbow nation. “Don’t give up. Keep going on!” he said.
During the event a number of farmers were awarded membership of the
250 Ton club while others graduated from the Grain SA Grain Farmer
Development Programme. This programme ensures that farmers are
equipped with the necessary information and skills to contribute to food
security in the country. Contributors who received a certificate for their
continued support and contribution were Pannar, Profert, Sasol Nitro, the
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Mpumalanga and the
Eastern Cape) and Mr Dirk van Rensburg.
The following category winners for the Farmer of the Year competition
were announced:
Smallholder Farmer of the Year (from 10 hectares to producing 250 tons)
is Victor Mahlinza.
Subsistence Farmer of the Year (farmers who produce less than 10 hec-
tares) is Ms TO Mdluli. The elated Mdluli not only received a supply of
fertiliser from Profert, but Husqvarna also donated a TF 536 tiller to
the winner of this category. This wonderful prize will make cultivating
her land a lot easier for this small-framed farmer from Winterton in
KwaZulu-Natal.
In 2012 a new platinum category was added to the 250 Ton club, for
farmers producing at least 1 500 tons of maize annually. This is an
indication of the success of the Grain SA Grain Farmer Development
Programme. Mr Gift Mafuleka joined Mr Israel Motlhabane in this
category which now boasts two members.
Three new members were added to the gold level for farmers producing
over 1 000 tons, namely Mr ZP Motshwene and Tikwe Farming as well as
Mr Fanie Nkosi (who were not present due to farming responsibilities).
Solomon Masango Farming Enterprises, Messrs Keith Middleton,
Maurice Boki (Grain SA’s Developing Farmer of the Year for 2013)
and Khaya Nkuhlu entered the silver level for farmers producing over
500 tons.
The 250 Ton club’s bronze division awarded certificates and badges
to nine new members: Iyay’phandela farming and Messrs Musi Twala,
Victor Mahlinza, David Mongoato, Victor Mongoato (vice-chairman
of Grain SA), Thabang Tsephe, Lebohang Khitleli, Joel Ralekhetla and
Frans Mokoena.
recognised at Day
of Celebration
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6
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7: Louw Steytler (chairman of Grain SA) takes the wooden spoon from Danie Retief (Standard Bank).
8: These partners were acknowledged for their support of the programme: Pannar (Harry Ngesi), DARD
Mpumalanga (S. Shandu) and Profert (Muzi Hlongwane).
9: TO Mdluli (Subsistence Farmer of the Year) with her prize, a Husqvarna TF 536 tiller worth R25 000.
With her is Darryl Elliot (sales representative, Husqvarna).
