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SA Olive Worker of the Year Award winners announced

17 Sep 2021

When local olive producers and farmers were awarded bronze, silver and gold medals for their extra virgin olive oils at the 2021 SA Olive Awards on 9 September 2021, two young women were also jointly awarded the SA Olive Worker of the Year Award for their personal and professional growth.

Source: Supplied - Carmelita Brink (right) and Lee Ann Swarts (middle) receive the Worker of the Year Award from SA Olive Manager Vittoria Jooste.

The Worker of the Year Award demonstrates SA Olive’s commitment to developing and nurturing young talent in the industry.

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Previously known as the SA Olive Mentorship Awards, the SA Olive Worker of the Year Award was established as part of an ongoing commitment to promote excellence and to recognise growth of individuals in the industry.

Out of all the nominations received for 2021, two women stood out: Carmelita Brink and Lee Ann Swarts. They were awarded a joint floating trophy made by former SA Olive chairman and master mentor, John Scrimgeour.

Carmelita Brink from Oakhurst Olives

Brink has been part of the Oakhurst Olives family for 2 years. Having started as a general farm worker, she then became an integral part of the team as an assistant in both the office and the tasting room.

Her mentor, Charmaine Doubell says: "Carmelita’s confidence will see her being in charge of the customer supply chain in the next few years as she is a problem solver, team player and shows enormous respect for her fellow workers, management and customers."

Lee Ann Swarts from Olyfberg

With a total of 12 years' experience under her belt with Olyfberg, Swarts was the obvious choice to be nominated for this award by her team. Her calm and honest attitude toward her work has enabled her to aspire to new heights over the past year. Head of Section at Olyfberg, Pikkie Lourens says: "I see Lee Ann as the Senior head of the administrative department here as her positive attitude and her willingness to learn has resulted in her taking on more responsibility and always with equal enthusiasm."