The Grain SA Farmer of the Year competition is not just about recognition, it is about honouring the growth, learning, and resilience of thousands of farmers in the Grain SA Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) Farmer Development Programme (FDP). Each year, a panel travels across the country to meet the top achievers who embody excellence in their categories. This year, judges covered nearly 6 000 km to identify the most outstanding farmers for 2025.
New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year (250+ tons)
Botlhale Tshabalala (35) of Lichtenburg, North West, left a career in engineering to farm alongside his father in 2013. Today, he successfully produces maize, sunflower, and beans on Driehoek farm and runs a Brahman cattle herd. His progress is supported by regular study group participation and mentorship from Du Toit van der Westhuizen.
Mpho Munyai (44) farms in Magaliesburg, Gauteng, where he produces maize and breeds Boran and Droughtmaster cattle. A business graduate with extensive corporate experience, he now mentors young farmers and hosts Unisa students for practical training. He joined Grain SA in 2023.
Simphiwe Mabuza (31) farms with his father in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, where he produces maize and soybeans. As the youngest finalist, Simphiwe is passionate about youth involvement in agriculture and eager to give back through mentorship. He has been a member of Grain SA since 2018.
Potential Commercial Farmer of the Year (35 ha to 250 tons)
Modinda Matshinini (33) took over Naudeskop farm in the Free State after his father’s passing in 2022. Guided by Jacques Roux, he produces maize, sunflower, and soybeans, and keeps a Bonsmara herd. He also supplies vegetables to the local community.
Nkosana Mtimkulu (41) swapped a corporate sales career for farming in Zeerust, North West. With support from Grain SA and mentor Du Toit van der Westhuizen, he produces sunflowers, beans, and soybeans and actively participates in study groups.
Thwala Mlungisi (44) started farming part-time in 2012 and now works full-time on his farm in Dannhauser, KwaZulu-Natal. He produces maize and soybeans and runs a mixed livestock operation. Since joining Grain SA in 2022, he has completed several training courses and dreams of expanding his operation to over 1 000 ha.
Smallholder Farmer of the Year (3 to 35 ha)
Itumeleng Mongane (63) returned to Mahikeng in 1991 to farm with his father. Now a dedicated member of the Mooifontein study group, he grows maize and sunflower on communal land and continues to expand his knowledge through the FDP.
Magolela Ali Morena (54) farms in Sikhukhune Village, Limpopo, where he produces maize and beans. Since joining Grain SA in 2020, he has achieved 6,5 t/ha and helped establish study groups in his region. He is mentored by Jerry Mthombothi.
Vusumuzi Mnyandu (68) is a retired healthcare manager who now farms with maize and potatoes near Ermelo, Mpumalanga. Under the mentorship of Jerry Mthombothi, he has improved his yields and grown his study group to over 60 members.
Subsistence Farmer of the Year (0 to 3 ha)
Boyees Mrwetyana (56) of Mount Fletcher, Eastern Cape, joined the FDP in 2014 and dramatically improved his maize yields through mentorship and study group involvement. He now chairs the Hlankomo study group.
Lindiwe Kubheka (58) farms on communal land in Dannhauser, KwaZulu-Natal. After being retrenched from her job as a cleaner, she turned to farming full-time in 2012. Today, she chairs the Newcastle/Doornkop study group.
Sarah Matladi (49) of Limpopo grew up farming with her father. After leaving her job at a school, she joined Grain SA in 2021 and harvested 7 t/ha last season. With support from her husband and the Mahukubyane study group, she continues to thrive.
