Stellenbosch | Franschhoek | Pniel | Kylemore
Year 16 • Tuesday 26 August 2014 | Tel. 021 853 0211
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Top honours for St’boscher A Stellenbosch entrepreneur scooped the top honours in the agri-processing category at the national Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ annual awards to honour women in agriculture.
Ilse Ruthford won the top honour in the agri-processing category at DAFF’s female entrepreneur awards.
Ilse Ruthford won R250 000 when she was named one of South Africa’s best female entrepreneurs in agriculture at a gala dinner last Friday in Mafikeng. She went on to compete in the national awards after winning the agri-processing category in the Western Cape leg of the DAFF awards, which were held in Wellington last week. Ruthford is the financial manager of the wine storage facility at the Compagniesdrift farm just outside Stellenbosch. Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said Ruthford served as an inspiration to women in the agricultural sector. Speaking after her win, Ruthford encouraged other women in the industry to pursue their goals: “Your dreams can come true too.” The competition, which is a joint effort between the national Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and the provinces, rewards the efforts and contribution of women in matters such as food security, job creation, economic growth and poverty alleviation.