PATENSIE – In a moving display of raw talent and determination, Jenedine Jantjies, a childminder from Patensie, has been crowned the winner of Agri’s Got Talent 2025.
The victory came after she delivered captivating performances that left judges and audiences spellbound during the emotionally charged finale on 22 September in Boland, Stellenbosch.
According to a press release by Agri’s Got Talent, the final event filled the Boland with pride and emotion as ten agricultural workers from the fruit and wine industries across South Africa showcased their talents on stage.
The press release noted that the unique singing competition is one of its kind in the country.
The competition not only provides a platform for agricultural workers to showcase their musical talent but also offers hope, pride and dignity to farmworkers and everyone working in agriculture.
Jantjies, a childminder for a private family at Endulini Citrus Farm in Patensie, said that she was very thankful, grateful and humbled after winning the competition.
“Winning the competition was such a special moment for me. It motivated me to continue working hard to pursue my passion for singing and do what I love, to do something where I feel free to be myself and I can express who I am,” said Jantjies.
Even though she does not work directly in the fields as a seasonal worker, she said that she plays her part by being a childminder on the farm in Patensie, where she offers support to families involved in the agriculture industry to help them create a safe and positive environment for their kids.
Jantjies’ musical journey began early in life.
At just 12 years old, she began singing in church where her love for music began to grow.
Jantjies continued to perform at various venues, including at school and within her community.
In 2021, she won the Kouga’s Got Talent competition, which she described as “a blessed moment” that motivated her to continue to pursue her passion despite facing challenges.
“At times it felt as though things were not working in my favour, doors were closing but that never stopped me from pursuing my passion for singing and continuing to hold onto my faith to reach my goals,” said Jantjies.
She said that she learned about Agri’s Got Talent through social media, and even though she was hesitant to participate because she did not think that she would qualify, her friend’s encouragement led to her submitting an audition video.
To her surprise, she received a call back saying she was in the top 10.
“Being chosen in the top 10 was a roller coaster moment for me because I did not believe I would make it, but by God’s grace, I did,” said Jantjies.
According to the press release, Clayton Mentoor, a seasonal worker in the pome fruit industry at Kromco near Grabouw, earned second place, while Mervin Williams of DGB near Wellington, proudly represented the wine industry and earned third place.
The press release also stated that Sandeline Mouers of Bo-plaas 1743, Simondium, received a special award for the best performance in an indigenous language, sponsored by the Afrikaanse Taalraad (Afrikaans Language Council).
Thea van Zyl, project manager of Agri’s Got Talent, emphasised that the significance of the competition extends well beyond the stage.
“With every note and story, the finalists demonstrated that Agri’s Got Talent is more than just a contest; it is a tribute to people, their dignity, and the power of music at the centre of South African agriculture,” said Van Zyl.
Jantjies said that for her, agriculture is not only about farming and harvesting, but about the people who are part of it, and she is proud to be part of it.
She further praised the competition organisers and thanked her family, friends and the Patensie community for their support.
“The Agri’s Got Talent management team and organisers are wonderful people, and they should be given more credit for providing people within the agriculture sector with such a beautiful platform where they can showcase their talents,” said Jantjies.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue developing her music career and start writing her own songs, which she plans to share with as many people as she can.
“I want to motivate the young people in my community and show them that there is a big world out there just waiting to be explored,” said Jantjies.
Drawing inspiration from her faith, Jantjies cited her favourite Bible verse, Isaiah 60:22, which says “When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen”, something she has seen come true in her own life.
According to the press release, the project is sponsored by Hortgro, the Citrus Growers’ Association, the South African Table Grape Industry, SA Wine, and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, with additional support from FruitFly Africa and Culdevco.
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