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Investigation raises questions about credibility of DAFF awards

───   15:22 Fri, 18 Sep 2015

Investigation raises questions about credibility of DAFF awards | News Article

Bloemfontein - The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) has admitted in a statement it has been inundated by media queries regarding the adjudication process of its Female Entrepreneur Awards.

This as it emerges that one of the national winners is under investigation by the NSPCA.

Farmer’s Weekly reports that the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) confirmed it started investigating Ukwanda farm in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal, in 2014. The farm is owned by Hlengiwe Hlope, winner in the category for top commercial female farmer, and her husband, Mike Mjiyakho.

The article quotes Simon Streicher, CEO of the South African Pork Producers Organisation, as saying a mentor who arrived at the farm in June 2014 realised that animals had been without food for days. This was because workers were striking for not receiving wages.

The investigation has meanwhile has raised concerns over the criteria for the awards and the adjudication process. The DAFF says the adjudication process is informed by a guiding document, which provides a framework on factors to be considered by the adjudication panel.

 

Source: Farmer's Weekly and statement

 

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