Ms Margareth Mukwevho is the best female famer in the Vhembe District. She received several awards during a ceremony at the Louis Trichadt Show Grounds on Thursday, 18 August.

Female farmers from the different municipalities in Vhembe participated in several categories, such as top food exporter, national food producer, informal market and household food produccer.

The Chief Whip of the Vhembe District Municipality, Mr Tshifhiwa Dali, was the guest speaker during the event. He emphasised the importance of the development of farming and said it was commendable that many women were excelling at farming. "The government will assist our farming community," he said. "I am impressed and happy about the role played by women in the agricultural sector in our province. That is why the national government was prompted to initiate a competition for female farmers. It is a way of encouraging women to participate in farming," he said.

As the overall winner, Margareth said she was greatly honoured. “I am very excited. At least it is a symbol that people appreciate what I am doing. It really motivates me, and it is a challenge that I must start preparing myself to participate on provincial level,” she said.

The winner in the Fishery category, Ms Livhuwani Mathobo, went home with R5 000 and a certificate, and the second-placed Ms Selinah Tshivheahuvhi received R4 000.

The Top Entrepreneur in the commercial catergory was won by Ms Kate Vhengani from Musina, who received R5 000. The Top Entrepreneur: Smallholder is Ms Rebbeca Muofhe of Thulamela, who is R5 000 richer. Ms Lucy Malungana from the Makhado Municipality won the livestock catergory and also received R5 000.

All the winners will represent the Vhembe District in the provincial competition on a date still to be announced.