Agri's got Talent: and the winner is...

Armando Baartman, Agri’s got Talent 2015 winner

The announcement was made following stellar performances by 11 finalists at a gala evening at the Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West on 31 July. Singer Andriëtte Norman, musician Frieda van den Heever and 2014 winner Ayabonga Mhobo joined them on stage, with actor Albert Maritz as master of ceremonies.

The runners up were Erien Smith, a quality controller at Graaff Fruit, Prince Alfred Hamlet (second) and Rayline Booysen, a forklift driver turned data capturer at Rhodes Food, Tulbagh (third). The finalists were selected from 75 video entries. In the week preceding the gala evening, they received music/voice, stage and media training by Frieda and Albert. A life skills component, presented by Procare Western Cape, included interpersonal skills, as well as conflict and stress management.

"The Agri's got Talent project gives fruit and wine industry workers a platform to showcase their talent, while developing skills with which they can make a difference in their communities," said Anton Rabe, executive director of the horticultural fruit industry organisation, HORTGRO.

The fruit industry initiated the project in 2014, but is now a joint venture between HORTGRO and the VinPro Foundation, which funds transformation projects on behalf of the wine industry organisation VinPro. "Our partnership emphasises the fact that both these industries view the empowerment and development of their workers as a priority," said Rico Basson, managing director of VinPro.

Armando Baartman on stage

Armando, who had the audience of 500 cheering to Michael Jackson's Rock with You and Living Years by Mike & the Mechanics, had the following to say about being the winner of Agri's got Talent 2015: "Singing has always been a part of me, but winning this competition is a dream come true! I still need to pinch myself!" He received a cash prize and will have the opportunity to perform at agricultural events.