For us at Silas & Co Farms, every day is a story of hard work, family, and purpose. Friday, 21 June 2024, marked a special milestone for our farm. At the Awards Gala Ceremony held at Focus Rooms in Modderfontein, Sandton, our founder Morato Malaji was officially named the overall winner of the inaugural AgriVuno Women in Agri Accelerator Program.

This recognition celebrates not only Morato’s leadership but also the values that define Silas & Co Farms — transparency, trust, quality, and a deep commitment to community, legacy, and impact. That’s the Silas & Co Farms way.

The Accelerator Journey

The AgriVuno Women in Agri Accelerator is a transformative 10-week program designed to empower female farmers across South Africa.

From over 260 applications, 50 talented women were selected to participate. The program offered hands-on mentorship, practical training, and exposure to core areas of agribusiness including leadership, financial management, soil health, and operations.

Of the 50 participants, 38 successfully completed the accelerator, while five exceptional farmers advanced to additional training opportunities. Partners such as Standard Bank, Kulisha Consulting, and AG Beyond Sustainability provided critical support throughout the program.

Winning the Pitch

Morato’s pitch reflected everything Silas & Co Farms stands for — high-quality livestock, ethical farming, and family legacy. Her presentation showcased the farm’s mission to produce traceable livestock, poultry, eggs, and artisanal products while uplifting women in agriculture.

Being named the top agripreneur was a tremendous honour. As part of the prize, Morato received:

• R20,000 cash to invest in Silas & Co Farms’ growth
• An accredited Farm Management Course in partnership with Cradle Farms and Standard Bank
• Mentorship and access to an extensive Women in Agri network

These opportunities strengthen our farm’s operations and ensure we continue growing responsibly and sustainably.

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Beyond the Award

This achievement is a milestone for Silas & Co Farms and for women-led farming in South Africa. It affirms our belief that farming can be both sustainable and profitable, rooted in integrity, transparency, and community.

The recognition fuels our plans to expand into:

• Farm butchery and frozen meat packs
• Bushveld Heat artisanal chili range
• Continued growth of livestock and poultry operations

We are deeply grateful for the encouragement from the AgriVuno team, our mentors, and fellow female farmers, who have become part of our extended farming family.

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Looking Ahead

This victory belongs to our community. To the AgriVuno team, Standard Bank, Cradle Farms, and all partners, thank you for supporting women in agri and believing in Silas & Co Farms.

To our customers and neighbours, your trust and support drive everything we do. At Silas & Co Farms, we remain committed to delivering fresh, traceable, and high-quality products while building a lasting family farming legacy in Bela Bela.