Witzenberg region selects top agri worker in Western Cape Prestige Agri-Awards

The first of the regional winners in the Western Cape Prestige Agri-Awards of 2018  has been announced.

The awards, sponsored by Shoprite since 2012, recognise excellence among agri workers and are held annually in 16 regions before the overall provincial winner is announced in November.

The Witzenberg region held its awards ceremony in Prince Alfred Hamlet on Thursday 26 July 2018, where Manual Mackensie won in the tractor driver category as well as receiving the accolade as the Agri Worker for 2018 of the Witzenberg region.

He works as a pest-control operator on the Donkerbos farm in Ceres.

“This is an opportunity to grow and to compete against other regions, and it makes me excited about the future of agriculture,” Mr Mackensie said of his win.

Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde said “we congratulate Mr Mackensie and wish him the best of luck in the next round of the competition.”

Winners of the regional awards receive a cash prize, a certificate, trophy and Shoprite vouchers. They will also go on to compete at provincial level during an adjudication process in October 2018, with the awards to be held in November 2018, where the overall winner - the Western Cape Prestige Agri Worker for 2018 - will be announced.

The overall winner walks away with a R25 000 cash prize, an overseas trip valued at R60 000, an iPad, Shoprite vouchers, data and a place on the Prestige Agri Worker Forum which meets with Minister Winde each quarter to discuss agri worker as well as sector related issues.

Picture caption: Mrs Gertrude Jacobs (Acting Director: Farm Worker Development, WCDoA) , Mr Manuel Mackensie (Witzenberg Regional Winner) and  Mr Chris Schutte (Freshmark/Shoprite) at the first of the regional ceremonies for the Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards.