Fezile Dabi Women in Agriculture Celebrated at Viljoenskroon Harvest Day

DARD MEC Elzabe “Mmabatho” Rockman delivered the keynote address at Fezile Dabi WARD Harvest Day held at Mos M Farms in Viljoenskroon, owned by Me Mosele Lepheane. MEC Rockman visited exhibition stalls, greeting participants and showing her support for women in agriculture.

Cllr Mokatsane, Executive Mayor of Moqhaka Local Municipality, addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of the event in celebrating the sacrifices and achievements of agricultural women. He emphasized that such gatherings recognize the critical role women play in strengthening rural economies.

Fezile Dabi District WARD Regional Chairperson Me Mantombela spoke on behalf of the WARD women. She stressed the need for women to support each other and highlighted agriculture as a tool to fight poverty and unemployment. She noted the establishment of local committees across municipalities to unite women in addressing food security and community development, emphasizing that unity is key even when disagreements arise.

The event also featured presentations by WEA 2025 winners Me Moleboheng Melonolo and overall winner Me Puseletso Lipali. They shared their personal journeys in agriculture and encouraged other women to participate in agricultural initiatives. Me Thabita Mokone from DARD provided insights into the Agricultural Economics outlook, outlining current trends and opportunities for rural farmers.

Host Me Mosele Lepheane discussed the Flowerdale Project and WARD programs across Fezile Dabi, noting that they currently have 123 members. She highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of municipalities in the district and stressed the importance of ongoing support and development.

During her keynote, MEC Rockman praised the WARD structure for becoming more active over the years. She urged participants to work together, emphasizing that farming requires hard work, passion, and a strong foundation. MEC Rockman also condemned acts of violence against women and children, referring to recent incidents in Glen, and appealed to parents to protect and care for their children.

The Viljoenskroon Harvest Day showcased the resilience, commitment, and achievements of women in agriculture, reinforcing the role of organized support structures in driving sustainable rural development.