Nigel Klaasen, a junior production manager on the farm Fruitways Glen Elgin in Elgin, was named the province’s best worker for 2022 at the Western Cape Prestige Agri-Awards.
The annual gala dinner at the GrandWest Casino in Goodwood on Saturday (5 November). Klaasen won prizes to the value of about R100 000, including an overseas study tour.
“I am grateful to my employer, Fruitways, for allowing me to do what I do well,” the Grabouw local said. “The positivity of my fellow competitors and agri-workers inspires me. Not enough is said about the role agri-workers play in ensuring food security. Through our daily toil we produce enough food to ensure our fellow South Africans have access to food. Thank you, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, for highlighting our contribution and appreciating agri-workers.”
Dr Ivan Meyer, provincial agricultural minister, highlighted the Prestige Agri-Awards Competition recognises the province’s agricultural workforce’s hard work, commitment, and dedication. He explained: “The competition not only showcases the excellent work done in the agricultural sector in this province, it acknowledges, celebrates and inspires pride in its workforce and encourages them to learn new skills.
“Agri-workers play a significant role in the Western Cape economy. Their energy, knowledge and expertise contribute to food and nutrition security, bring foreign exchange into the country from exports, and provide for their families. So tonight we celebrate excellence, ambition, confidence, drive and the competitive spirit of our agri-workers.”
This year, 994 agri-workers representing 15 regions competed in 11 categories. The regional winners are Emile Asplein (Bergrivier), Deon Mazetta (Breede Valley), Elloise Volmink (Central Karoo), Nigel Klaasen (Elgin); John Williams (Franschhoek); Sithembiso Shange (Garden Route), Patrick Mosedie (Hessequa-Kannaland), Christiaan Petersen (Hexvallei), Jeanne-Meine (Langeberg), Shirlene Boks(Olifantsrivier), Zolani Bethuel Majali (Overberg) Gerrit Boois (Piket-Bo- Berg), Nongcebo Langa (Stellenbosch), Aphendule Dyomfana (Swartland) and Shiree Paulse (Witzenberg).
Christiaan Prins of the Breede Valley region was acknowledged as the agri-worker who displayed the best potential, while two special Ministerial Awards went to Slanghoek & Botha Wine Estate’s health-care project and Martha Klein of Central Karoo for her community work among agri-workers despite battling her health challenges.
Shoprite Freshmark has been the main sponsor of the Agri-Awards competition since 2012. Said Pieter van Zyl, general manager of procurement at Shoprite Freshmark: “Agriculture plays a critical role in ensuring food security. The Western Cape is a strategic supplier to Shoprite; 35% of all purchases come from the Western Cape and are distributed through the Shoprite network.
“This would not be possible without the 180 Western Cape producers and 50 000 agri-workers who supply Shoprite Freshmark with fresh produce. They are not only the 1st link but also the anchor of the whole value chain. Their love and passion for agriculture have struck me most in the last couple of years. Shoprite is proud to be associated with this great competition.”
Klaasen will now also join past winners who serve on the Western Cape Prestige Agri Worker Forum, which meets with Meyer quarterly and provides a platform for sharing information regarding good farming practices, identifying opportunities and improving productivity.
“It is also an opportunity to exchange ideas on matters pertinent to the daily experiences of agri-workers,” Meyer said. “Our agri-workers are a key resource for this sector. They are the driving force behind our economic recovery. I salute the hardworking men and women that are part of the backbone of our agricultural economy.
“The Western Cape values the dignity and well-being of our agri-workers. Climate change is real. So we also have to talk about our agri-workers who work in ever-changing climatic conditions.”
