Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West has a proud history of over 300 years of agriculture – so it’s fitting that several of the farm’s dedicated staff have been recognised in the Stellenbosch regional section of the Western Cape Prestige Agri Awards.
The winners span Vergelegen’s administration, cellar, vineyards, horticultural and maintenance departments, with Vergelegen also announced as the best performing estate. Cellar supervisor Gladys Jafta was not only named forewoman of the year, but also scooped the top prize, agricultural worker of the year.
Other proud Vergelegen prize-winners were:
- Sivuyile Mtiya-Krismis (Estate), general worker of the year.
- Penelope Saunders (Administration), administrative person of the year.
- Scott Mpondo (Horticulture), junior manager of the year.
- Joseph Bosch(Vineyards), second place irrigation specialist.
- Sias le Roux (Maintenance), second place middle management
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture hosts these awards annually to acknowledge agricultural workers’ contribution to the sector’s sustainability and growth. The Stellenbosch regional prize-giving took place at the Doornbosch Hall, Stellenbosch on 23 September. Category winners have now been interviewed for the overall Western Cape Prestige Awards, to be announced on 13 November.
Hospitality and HR Manager at Vergelegen, Sharon Hosking, says, “We are delighted that our fantastic staff have been recognised more widely for the hard work they put in every day. Their dedication and input make the estate a showpiece of top wines and gardens in the Western Cape.”
