Empowering dreams, transforming lives

Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.

- Glenneis Kriel

When Anton Rabe, managing director of Hortgro, came up with the idea for Agri’s Got Talent, he wanted it to be more than just a singing competition. Instead, he wanted it to be a platform that empowered farmworkers by giving them the opportunity to shine and showcase their diverse talents.

The competition and life skills programme has since become a highlight of the agricultural calendar, with contestants being good enough to compete in the top 10 of any international talent show.

More importantly, the platform is succeeding in changing the lives of the participants, allowing them to become more effective in their families, communities, and jobs, and shining a light on the value of farmworkers in South Africa.

UNLOCKING NEW OPPORTUNITIES

This year’s winner, Chester Fisch, wowed the crowd with his extraordinary voice and dance moves while singing Michael Jackson’s ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’, and then showed his diversity with his second song, the politically inspired ‘A Change Is gonna come’ by Sam Cooke.

But Chester’s life has not been easy up until now. The now 28-year-old dropped out of school in Grade 10 and has been a seasonal worker for almost two years after moving from Johannesburg to the Western Cape. He was employed at Mountain Ridge Cellar in the Breedekloof region, where he pumped wine between tanks, and then at De Kyker Farm in Wolseley, where he learnt to pick pears and peaches.

“Not finishing school closed doors for me,” he says. “This has taught me that I need to work extra hard if I want to realise my dreams and give my two-year-old daughter, Leilani Sesesane, a better life.”

Chester has been singing from a young age and always wanted to become a performer. “Remembering how my uncles used to sing along with the radio when they visited us is one of my fondest childhood memories.”