Mr Tshianeo Mathidi, one of the founding fathers of the African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA), was honoured for his valuable contributions in establishing the home of African farmers during AFASA's annual general meeting and 10-year anniversary celebration. The conference took place at the International Conference Centre in Durban from 16 to 18 October.
Mathidi served two three-year terms with AFASA. He started as the organisation's president in Limpopo and was later elected as the founding national chairperson. When his term ended, he was asked to stay on as board member. He finally resigned in March this year, after two of his resignation letters were rejected by the board.
Mathidi, who is a well-known potato farmer in the Thohoyandou area, was greatly humbled by the honour bestowed on him. "This is humbling and fulfilling. It was by God's grace that I found myself serving the farmers, so that their farming enterprises can be sustainable through sharing information without reservations," he said.
Mathidi served on many committees, and boards and in other capacities, both provincially and nationally, and is presently a director at Potato South Africa. "I have dedicated much of my time to this cause; now it is time for me to start dedicating some time to my own farming business. The new leadership must continue to improve farmers' lives. I would not have been able to serve my country so well, had it not been for the support I got from my family and the farming community. Above all, I thank God for his grace and mercy in my life," he said.
During the conference, AFASA also honoured its late president, Dr Vuyo Mahlati, by launching the annual Dr Vuyo Mahlati Awards, which are given to individuals or entities who embody what Mahlati stood for.