Franschhoek’s Lindie-Alet is best agri-worker in the Western Cape

Lindie-Alet van Staden from L’Ormarins Wine Estate in Franschhoek was named the Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker of the Year for 2024.

The announcement was made during a glamourous event at Rhebokskloof Wine Estate in Paarl on Saturday (2 November), which was attended by a host of dignitaries and special guests, including Premier Alan Winde.

Dr Ivan Meyer, provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said Van Staden is a worthy winner. “I look forward to her inauguration as a Western Cape Prestige Agri-Workers’ Forum member,” he pointed out.

“Given her leadership abilities and skill set, she will make a valuable contribution to raising the concerns of agri-workers in the province. She will serve as a valued member of the forum, a body that advises the Western Cape Ministry of Agriculture on matters impacting agri-workers’ lives.”

The competition, which recognises the crucial role agri-workers play in growing the economy and ensuring food security, has seen a significant increase in participation, from 36 entries in 2002 to an impressive 1 233 in 2024.

Participants from diverse backgrounds and 15 regions across the Western Cape competed in 11 categories, showcasing the competition’s inclusivity.

On accepting her award as the overall winner Van Staden, who works as a garden and olive orchard manager at L’Ormarins, expressed her gratitude and commitment to her job.

“Every day I’m motivated by my incredible team and the opportunity to make a difference in my colleagues’ lives,” she pointed out.

“Winning this award reaffirms my commitment to pursuing excellence and helping to drive agriculture’s future in our community. Together, we are achieving our goals and building a sustainable future.”

Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, head of the provincial agriculture department, said: “The Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker Awards is not only about individual recognition, it is also aimed at enhancing the image and socio-economic conditions of agri-workers and their families. This competition offers agri-workers new skills, knowledge and opportunities for career growth, broadening their understanding of the agricultural sector and inspiring them to reach new heights.”

Winde praised Van Staden and all the Western Cape’s agri-workers. “Your contribution and dedication to our economy are invaluable and we are deeply grateful for all you do in assuring and enhancing our province’s food security while also working very hard to boost our economic growth,” he said.

Meyer added that agri-workers are not invisible in the province, supporting his statement with the fact that the Western Cape is the only province to recognise its agricultural workforce in this way.

“Agri-workers must be recognised and honoured, and their voices heard. They play a crucial role in our Growth For Jobs Strategy, which aims to build a R1 trillion economy in the Western Cape by 2035. Their expertise and unwavering commitment to producing enough food to meet our food security needs are instrumental in achieving this goal.”