The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) proudly celebrated the skill and dedication of agri workers across the province at the 2025 Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards (WCPAA) Gala. The event honoured individuals whose daily contributions sustain the Western Cape’s agricultural success and rural prosperity.
These awards not only celebrate excellence, but also the resilience, skill, and spirit of the people who keep the province’s agricultural heart beating.
From Humble Beginnings to Provincial Recognition
Launched in 2002 by the Hex Valley Table Grape Association as the Farm Worker of the Year Competition, the initiative has grown into one of the most respected recognition platforms in South Africa’s agricultural calendar. This year saw an impressive 1 393 participants from across the province—150 more than in 2024—demonstrating the sector’s growing inclusivity and pride in excellence.
Honouring the Heartbeat of Agriculture
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, commended the finalists and winners, stating:
“Agri workers are the heartbeat of our province’s agricultural economy. Their commitment sustains food security, supports our economy and builds resilient rural communities. Through the Prestige Agri Awards, we honour these hardworking men and women whose contributions ensure that the Western Cape continues to grow, innovate and feed the nation.”
Spotlight on the 2025 Overall Winner
The evening’s highest honour — 2025 WCPAA Overall Winner — was awarded to Shannon Robertson, Assistant Livestock Manager at Boschendal near Franschhoek. Shannon embodies the excellence, leadership, and dedication that define the province’s agricultural sector.
“This award is a blessing,” she said. “It shows that women have a place in agriculture and can lead with confidence, faith, and determination. My hope is that other young women see this and know that they too can make a difference in this sector.”
Behind every winner stands a community of workers, families, and farmers who together nurture the Western Cape’s world-class agricultural heritage.
Recognising Excellence Across the Sector
The competition covers eleven categories across the agricultural value chain, from general labour to management. Each region identifies a Best Potential and a Regional Winner, culminating in 167 finalists who competed at Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute on 30 September 2025.
Winners were announced across all categories: Buron Kleynhans (General Worker), Selton Johnson (Driver), Kerneels Oncker (Irrigation Specialist), Ashley Bottom (Animal Production), Kaylin Samson (Technical Operator), Clarissa Saroon (Social Development), Jacqueline Lukas (Agri-Processing and Best Potential), Xongile Masungwini (Administrative Personnel), Ngonidzashe Nyaunga (Foreman/Woman), Lugelo Ntamane (Junior Manager) and Jacobus van der Linden (Middle Management).
Building Opportunity Through Partnership
Since 2004, the WCDoA’s Sub-Programme: Farm Worker Development has strengthened agri worker empowerment through training, career development, and partnerships with industry and government. The 2025 Awards, made possible through sponsorships valued at R1 085 517,96, underscore the power of collaboration in driving excellence, innovation, and growth.
A Testament to the Western Cape’s Agri Spirit
As the Western Cape Government continues to deliver on its promise of building a province of integrity, opportunity, and care, the Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards stand as a proud testament to the enduring spirit of our agri workers—whose hands feed our nation, whose dedication grows our economy, and whose stories inspire a new generation of agricultural excellence.