Total South Africa has over the years, with its funding to the farmers, paved the way for small subsistence farmers to become full grown export businesses, employing people and contributing to the GDP of the country. Our intention is to create supportive structures that meet the needs of vulnerable people and allow them to contribute to and participate fully in society.

This programme has been reconfigured from the Female Farmer of the Year competition, which was incepted by the former Department of Agriculture in 1999. It is now called the Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

In line with government programme of action, this programme seeks to contribute in the following priorities; mainstreaming of women, youth and people with disabilities in the sector through food security, job creation, economic growth and poverty alleviation.

Total South Africa, through its sponsorship to the annual Female Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and in partnership with the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, is recognising the contributions the female entrepreneurs are making towards poverty alleviation.

The annual event commences at Provincial level and culminates to national awards, where all provinces compete for the awards in different categories. The awards ceremony will take place during women's month.

The Female Entrepreneur of the year awards Categories are as follows:

·         Best Female Worker

·         Best Subsistence Producer

·         Top Entrepreneur – Smallholder

·         Top Entrepreneur – Processing

·         Top Entrepreneur – Commercial

·         Top Entrepreneur – Export Markets

·         Ministerial Special Award

Winning the award rewards 80% female owned enterprises within the sector.