Mahikeng: The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has announced the opening of entries for the 2026 Youth and Women Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, targeting eligible farmers and agricultural enterprises within the region.
According to South African Government News Agency, the annual awards are part of an initiative to acknowledge the contributions of women and young individuals to the agricultural sector. The awards aim to bolster their involvement in agriculture, which is crucial for strengthening food security, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
North West MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Madoda Sambatha, emphasized the importance of the awards as a platform to recognize agricultural excellence. He encouraged young farmers and women entrepreneurs to continue their efforts in the sector, despite the challenges they face. The competition is open to youth- and women-owned agricultural enterprises in the North West province that meet the eligibility criteria. Youth category participants must be between 18 and 35 years old, with enterprises being at least 80% owned, managed, and operated by youth or women.
Submissions for applications are due by Friday, 28 August 2026. Winners will be announced during an awards ceremony in September, coinciding with Heritage Month.
Awards will be given in several categories, including Best Youth/Woman Subsistence Farmer, Best Youth/Woman Smallholder Farmer, Best Youth/Woman Commercial Farmer, Best Youth/Woman Exporter, Best Youth/Woman Person with Disability, Best Youth/Woman Agro-Processor, Best Youth/Woman Worker, and Overall Youth/Woman Winner.
The department urges interested applicants to contact their district coordinators for application forms. Inquiries can also be directed to the Provincial Project Coordinator, Poiho Ramotlatsi, at 071 367 5236. Assistance with application forms is available at district or local agriculture offices.
All applications will undergo a verification process in accordance with competition rules. Shortlisted projects will be assessed through site visits before final nominees are confirmed.