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Eastern Cape Agriculture MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe honoured the province’s best-performing Extension and Advisory Services (EAS) practitioners at a ceremony held at the Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development campus on 21 November 2025. The event celebrated the “foot soldiers” who deliver daily technical support to farmers and help drive agricultural growth across districts.
What Happened
The Department of Agriculture hosted its annual EAS Awards to recognise outstanding agricultural advisors and specialists. These officers guide farmers, oversee projects, and support key programmes aimed at improving production, sustainability, and rural livelihoods.
MEC Kontsiwe praised the winners for transforming farming communities with consistent, hands-on support.
“These practitioners are the backbone of our sector. Their work strengthens food security and uplifts rural families,” she said.
Official Response
The Department described EAS teams as essential to improving productivity, bridging technical gaps, and supporting farmers in all districts.
MEC Kontsiwe emphasized the importance of highly skilled advisors in driving the province’s agricultural strategy, adding that the awards celebrate excellence and dedication at grassroots level.
The Department released the full list of award recipients:
Recognition of Service Awards
- Best Subject Matter Specialist: Mxolisi Mtyobeli — OR Tambo District
- Best Technical Support: Thabang Mankinya — Alfred Nzo District
- Best Extension Supervisor: Babalwa Makatisa — Alfred Nzo District
Main Awards
- Most Improved Young Professional: Samkelisiwe Zungu — Alfred Nzo District
- Legend / Lifetime Achiever: Khuthala Xulubana — Chris Hani District
- Best Extension Practitioner (Certificated): Phooko
- Best Extension Practitioner (Candidate): Msimelelo Mgolozelwa — Chris Hani District
- Best Extension Professional: Molosi — Amathole District
- Overall Winner: Msimelelo Mgolozelwa — Chris Hani District
- Best Performing District: OR Tambo District
Community Impact
The recognition boosts morale across rural districts, where extension officers provide daily advice on livestock, cropping, climate-smart practices and project management. Their work strengthens food security, improves yields and supports smallholder farmers who rely on expert guidance to grow their operations.
