By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Youth farmer Morwa Molingoane (33) has emerged among the province’s leading young agricultural innovators, after receiving the MEC Recognition Award at the 2025 Free State Youth in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (YAFF) Awards.
The awards were held at Bluegumbosch Multipurpose Hall in Qwaqwa on Friday, 31 October.Molingoane is the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of MSC Agriculture, based in Monontsha village. He said the recognition affirms the hard work and commitment that he and his team have invested into building a modern agricultural enterprise rooted in innovation and sustainability.
“This award means a lot, not just to me but to everyone at MSC Agriculture. We are deeply rooted in primary agriculture — from producing vegetables and poultry to agro-processing herbal capsules and fresh fruit and vegetable juices that promote healthy living. It’s about adding value to what we grow and empowering our people,” he said.
Molingoane co-founded MSC Agriculture with CEO Matsae Tsotetsi (32). Through the company’s partnership with the African Conservation Trust under the Social Employment Fund, the enterprise works with 500 people across food production, community upliftment and skills development.
MSC Agriculture is also accredited by AgriSETA, and trains aspiring producers and agri-entrepreneurs in practical agriculture and agribusiness — supporting job creation and rural development in Monontsha and surrounding areas.
Delivering her keynote address, Free State MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Elzabe Rockman commended this year’s winners for their contribution to food security, innovation and economic growth.
“These awards are more than accolades,” Rockman said.
“They are a platform to showcase the resilience, innovation and dedication of young producers. Many of our past recipients have gone on to achieve remarkable success in both primary production and agro-processing.”
Maluti-a-Phofung Executive Mayor Malekula Melato, in her welcoming remarks, urged young people to recognise agriculture’s strategic value.
“Agriculture is not as fashionable as IT or engineering for our youth, but it plays a crucial role. Food security is a global challenge that must be confronted now, and these awards will make a meaningful contribution,” Melato said.
The ceremony was also attended by Thabo Mofutsanyana District Executive Mayor Conny Msibi, MAP Council Chief Whip Moeketsi Lebesa, MMC for Agriculture Masetjhaba Lakaje, departmental officials, stakeholders and traditional leaders from various royal houses — marking a culturally significant celebration of youth excellence in agriculture.
