News release: Five finalists announced in the 2025 Women’s Voice Competition-
Congratulations to the five finalists in the 2023/2024 Women’s Voice Competition.
The finalists are:
- Alani Janeke – communicator.
- Elaine van Eeden – breeder and researcher.
- Heleen Viljoen – agricultural economist.
- Prudence Thulisile Mokwena - farmer and founder of RBKM Chickens
- Sarah Malatjie – project administrator.
These finalists had the opportunity to share their views on any aspect impacting on their lives or careers in agriculture or in their rural communities or the environment, and how they would bring about change.
The finalists were selected from all the entries received and will now all be invited to the prestige award event to be held at Villa Arcadia in Parkview, Johannesburg on 24 July 2025 where an independent panel of judges will choose the winner based on a final round of discussions.
“After reviewing the entries, it is a pity that only five finalists could be chosen. The woman who participated, whether it was on a professional, leadership or technical level, are all winners. The entries emphasised the meaningful role women play in and the contributions they make to the agricultural sector. It was clear that the possibilities are endless. We are looking forward to the Women’s Voice Gala event on 24 July 2025 where the winner will be announced. But, in my eyes, each of the woman that had the courage to enter into the competition, is already a winner. Well done to all of them,” Magda du Toit, Director Future Agri Perspectives.
The Women’s Voice Competition seeks to create a platform for women in agriculture to discuss agricultural issues and ultimately influence public and industry discourse. It aims to encourage well-thought-out and accurate deliberation of topics relating to agriculture.
“By sharing their insights, the finalists in the 2025 competition shed new light on many aspects impacting on agriculture,” says Andries Wiese, business development manager at Hollard and sponsor of the competition.
During the gala event women who played pioneering roles in agriculture will also be honoured. In 2024 Prof Estie van Marle-Köster, associate professor University of Pretoria; Dr Langa Simela, business development manager at ABSA; Mariana Purnell, former general manager Agbiz Grain; Dr Lukeshni Chetty, general manager SANSOR; and Prof Hettie Schönfeldt, University of Pretoria were honoured for the role they played throughout their career paving the way for the next generation of women in the agricultural sector.
Ends
Enquiries can be directed to: Hanlie Delport at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
More about the organisers
Who is Future Agri Perspective?
Future Perspective is an initiative of like-minded individuals who are teaming together to present credible and scalable platforms for individuals in the agricultural value chain. These platforms facilitate a process for participants to present and voice insights and perspectives on relevant topics to stimulate debate and surface potential solutions, which might otherwise not have been tabled.
Our partners:
Hollard, Syngenta Seed, Empire Fleet solutions, NWK, FNB
Our supporting partners:
TLU, CRA Media, Grain SA
Our partners:
Hollard, Syngenta Seed, Empire Fleet solutions, NWK, FNB
Our supporting partners:
TLU, CRA Media, Grain SA
