By Staff Writer
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recently celebrated the achievements of the nation’s agricultural community at the annual Farmer of the Year Awards Gala, an event that recognises innovation, sustainability and excellence in farming. Partnering with Agri SA and Conservation SA, Toyota uses the awards to uplift farmers, provide access to technical support, and encourage best-practice sharing within the sector.
This year, the spotlight was firmly on Rudzani Sadiki from Thabazimbi, Limpopo, who was named New Harvest of the Year 2025. Sadiki’s diversified operations span sunflower, cattle, sheep and broilers, and his work demonstrates a remarkable integration of modern techniques with strong management strategies. His sustainable approach has consistently delivered high yields, earning him a brand-new Toyota Hilux, Single-Cab, 2.4 GD-6 RB Raider 6MT.
“I was not expecting this,” said Sadiki, clearly overwhelmed by the recognition. “Thank you to Toyota and the team. Honourable minister, the invitation to visit the farm still stands.”
For Sadiki, farming is more than a profession—it’s a lifelong journey. Growing up in a rural area where his grandmother and parents were cattle farmers, he started caring for livestock at the age of 10. “As a way to encourage me, my family gave me a few cattle, which motivated me to pursue agriculture at university. Farming is tough, and you need to be willing to face challenges,” he explained.
His success, he notes, is supported by a strong network. “My wife is my number one supporter and plays a huge role in managing much of the farm work. I also have a supportive Farmers Association, and financial backing through the Department of Agricultural Development and Land Reform’s Land Development Support has been invaluable.”
Other winners included Francois Rossouw, named Young Farmer of the Year 2025, recognised for his precision farming techniques in the viticulture sector and sustainable table grape cultivation in the Western Cape. Iqhude Supply and Farming, based in Elim, Western Cape, received the Communal Farming Association of the Year 2025 for their integrated approach combining flower cultivation with cattle and sheep farming, blending communal practices with modern management to boost productivity and social impact.
Commenting on the awards, Leon Theron, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors, said, “Farming demands reliability, strength and versatility—qualities that Toyota embodies. We are proud to support these awards, which celebrate the resilience and innovation of our agricultural community. This is a reciprocal relationship: farmers have supported Toyota for decades, and we remain committed to helping build a stronger, more sustainable future for South African farming. Congratulations to all the 2025 winners.”
With initiatives like this, Toyota continues to champion a sector that’s vital to the economy, food security and community development, while highlighting farmers like Rudzani who are leading the way in sustainable, innovative agriculture.
