At a prestigious gala event held in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, the winners of the 2024 Toyota/Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year, New Harvest of the Year, and Communal Farming Association of the Year awards were honoured and recognised.

Dwayne Kaschula, the Young Farmer of the Year from Maclear in the Eastern Cape, impressed judges with his diversified approach to farming, which includes maize, potatoes, livestock and egg production. In recognition of his hard work and foresight, Kaschula was awarded a new Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD-6 Single Cab workhorse.

“Diversification is key; it’s about balancing the risks and rewards across different sectors to safeguard against market fluctuations and ensure a steady income stream,” says Kaschula.

Meshack Ndongeni, the New Harvest of the Year winner from Kokstad in the Eastern Cape, was also presented with a Hilux workhorse for his exceptional management skills. Ndongeni’s expertise in financial planning and budgeting has been instrumental in his success, overseeing operations that include maize, soybeans, potatoes, beef cattle and sheep farming.

“Understanding the cost of each operation and accounting for every expense have been crucial to running a sustainable business,” Ndongeni explains.

In the Communal Farming Association category, Modulaqhowa Primary Cooperative Limited from Botshabelo in the Free State, led by Chairperson Me Sophy Mabeba, was awarded R300,000 to further grow their operations.

The cooperative, founded in 2014, specialises in indigenous trees, fruit trees, roses, vegetable seedlings and shrubs. With a commitment to sustainable farming practices, they were nominated by the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The award will help them improve their resource management and empower their seven-member team.

These three trailblazers were selected from a pool of exceptional nominees across the country, with finalists chosen based on their achievements, business skills and commitment to advancing agriculture. They were also rigorously evaluated on their financial acumen, farming expertise, management proficiency and decision-making abilities. Nominees are between the ages of 18 and 35, with at least two years’ involvement in Agri SA’s provincial organisations.

While 2024 has brought challenges for the agricultural sector, including the effects of an El Niño-induced drought, recent data from Statistics South Africa highlights a 6% increase in primary agricultural employment. This growth, which reached 941,000 jobs in the first quarter of 2024, reflects the resilience of the sector and its ability to weather difficult conditions.

The drought primarily impacted summer grain and oilseed regions, but other agricultural subsectors remained largely unaffected.

“We are incredibly proud of our winners and all of the finalists who, together, employ around 1,200 people and make a significant impact on their communities,” says Leon Theron, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TSAM.

“At Toyota, we believe in the power of young farmers to shape the future of our country. These awards are our way of recognising their hard work, tenacity and passion for the agricultural industry. It’s an honour to support and celebrate their achievements,” Theron concludes.

With a proud history of over two decades of supporting South Africa’s farming community, TSAM remains committed to fostering growth and development within the agriculture sector. The Young Farmer, New Harvest and Communal Farming Association of the Year Awards are a testament to Toyota’s ongoing dedication to the future of farming in South Africa.