Agricultural Writers SA Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence in Agriculture
Lucentlands Media
Agricultural Content Creators - Agricultural News & Insights - 2024 Digital Agricultural Communicator of the Year
The 2024 Agricultural Writers SA (AWSA) Awards took centre stage on 15 November 2024 at the elegant Old Trafford (Centurion Lake Hotel) in Centurion, bringing together South Africa’s agricultural elite to honour individuals driving progress, sustainability, and innovation. This annual celebration shines a spotlight on the achievements of farmers, communicators, and agriculturalists whose dedication to excellence strengthens food security and economic resilience across the country.
Recognizing Trailblazers
Lindi Botha , chairperson of AWSA, emphasized the critical importance of agriculture to South Africa’s economy and society during her address at the event. She highlighted the value of recognizing individuals who exemplify innovation, environmental stewardship, and community impact:
“Recognising trailblazers, those who embody the spirit of innovation, community, and environmental stewardship, plays an important role in setting the tone for the future. It is clear that South Africa has been blessed with leaders across multiple fields that we know will lead South Africa into another decade of world-class agricultural production.”
The evening’s highlight was the announcement of the National Farmer, New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture, and Agriculturalist of the Year for 2024. These winners were selected from an outstanding group of provincial honourees announced in October.
National Winners
Celebrating Excellence Across Provinces
The provincial winners showcased the depth of talent and commitment across South Africa’s agricultural landscape:
Honouring the Lucentlands Team
In a momentous achievement, ??Dewald Kirsten ???? and ?? Louise Brodie of the Lucentlands Media Team received the FNB South Africa 2024 Digital Media Award - Communicator of the Year for their exceptional contribution through the Lucentlands Podcast.
This award states: "In special recognition for an exceptional contribution made by a member of the Agricultural Writers SA in communicating important and riveting information about the agricultural sector."
The Lucentlands team expressed their gratitude upon receiving the award:
“It is an absolute honour to be rewarded for hard work, but even more, knowing that we make a difference within a sector that we are so passionate about. We would like to thank every individual or company that has been part of our journey so far - especially the guests, who have not only enriched our own knowledge but trusted us with their valuable insights and sometimes breaking news.
We are excited for the future of the podcast and what it still may offer. We will be there through the ups and downs of the agricultural sector, every step of the way!”
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Dewald Kirsten Shines in Photography Awards
Dewald Kirsten added another chapter of excellence to the evening, being crowned "Agricultural Photographer of the Year" at the 2024 AWSA Awards. He also won the coveted "Agricultural Photo of the Year" award.
Beyond these top honours, Dewald swept numerous categories, showcasing his extraordinary talent:
This incredible success highlights his ability to capture the heart of agriculture through his lens, bringing its beauty and importance to life for audiences.
Messages from Sponsors
Dawie Maree, Head of Information and Marketing at FNB Agriculture, praised the winners for their exceptional contributions:
“Your dedication, innovation, perseverance, and hard work have not only contributed to food security and economic growth but also set a benchmark for excellence in agriculture. Your commitment to sustainable farming practices and community development is truly inspiring.”
Andries Wiese , National Business Development Manager at Hollard Insurance , added:
“These awards rightly recognize excellence. The efforts of farmers, agriculturalists, and new entrants ensure that communities thrive, and that South Africa’s agricultural sector continues to flourish. We are deeply grateful to every individual in this industry.”
A Vision for the Future
The AWSA Awards underscored the unity and resilience of South Africa’s agricultural community. Leaders like André Brink, Thulani Magida, Professor Driekie Fourie, and the Lucentlands Team inspire a vision of a future defined by sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
As the event concluded, preparations for the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) World Congress 2027 were highlighted, signalling South Africa’s ambition to showcase its agricultural achievements on the global stage.
With the generous support of sponsors such as FNB, Hollard, Syngenta , and others, the AWSA Awards continue to set a powerful precedent for recognising and inspiring excellence in agriculture.
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Well done Lucentlands Media! Thanks for showcasing agriculture in such an honest way. Andries Wiese's use of the words 'flourish' and 'thrive' in terms of this wonderful industry resonates with us! That's indeed what we're all working towards.
?? You really deserve this award Lucentlands Media! Telling the stories with such thoroughness, balance and finesse, while always allowing agriculture and its heroes to shine. We're in this together!
Manager Communications at Fruitalyst
3 个月?? Louise Brodie and ??Dewald Kirsten ???? we're really thankful for the work you do! And especially for your thorough, balanced and positive approach to agriculture. We salute you!