South Africa: North West Agricultural Development Honours Agricultural Advisors

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North West Department for Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development honours agricultural advisors. The Department for Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development has honoured agricultural advisors for the hard and commitment.

The department hosted the awards ceremony as part of its Annual Extension and Advisory service conference on 9 - 11 March 2016. This year, the 8th conference presented six awards to individuals and teams in recognition of their excellent service in government extension and advisory services.

The awards ceremony is supported by pillar 2 of the Extension Recovery plan (ERP), this states promoting professionalism and improving the image of extension. This pillar seeks to encourage extension personnel to affiliate and fully participate with professional bodies. It also encourages the hosting of the extension conference; in conjunction with recognition of outstanding performance.

Through this year's theme which states: "Harnessing the potential of Agricultural Extension and Advisory services to achieve the National Development Vision of 2030, the conference provided an opportunity for the department to look at better ways to utilise the Extension and Advisory services as a resource to achieve the sector specific National Development plan and Initiatives.

Speaking about the awards MEC Tlhape said it was important for the department to reward commitment. "In my new year's message to all staff early this year, I emphasised the need for commitment in our work. When we consider 'achievement', it is essential to consider both our personal accomplishments and the progress that is made by the groups, communities, and institutions of which we are part of. This means we need to, on our own right, work and to achieve as much as possible for the people who rely on services for a better life," she emphasised.

MEC Tlhape encouraged the advisors to work hard so that the current generation can become a one that changes the world for better. She urged them to use the opportunity they have been given to work hard for their greatness to be seen. "Your greatness can only blossom if you are making a difference in someone's life. Your talent can only be a living talent, if it brings hope to someone else's situation," she added.

The Overall winner, Mr Mojalefa Soke who also won the Top Agricultural Advisor category said he was humbled by the accolades. He said he did not expect much as he had anticipated strong competition. He said he however had made much effort in packaging his profile.

Other Winner are: Mr Enock Viktor for the Top Senior Agriculture Advisor category, Mr Hanatius Motlogelwa for the Top Deputy Director category and the Best Local Development Centre (LDC) Team was won by the Tlokwe LDC. MEC special award was scooped by the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Veterinary Services Team.

Issued by: North West Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Rural Development