What is your background?
I grew up in Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal in a family of five. My mother works as a cashier at a pharmacy and my stepfather makes deliveries for a furniture shop.
How did your parents afford Zakhe’s college fees?
When I started at Zakhe the fees weren’t that high. As the fees went up my mother had to borrow money. Eventually she couldn’t afford it any more and I left school in Grade 10. The management of Zakhe thought I had potential and organised a donor to pay half my fees. My mother could afford the other half and I went back to Zakhe and completed matric in 2006.
Tell us about your apprenticeship in Germany.
I stayed on Andreas and Elizabeth Thiessen’s dairy farm near Tolk in northern Germany. They have 120 cows and milk 50. The farm was run by only three people, Andreas my boss, his wife and me. There was a fourth worker, but he didn’t look after cows. Initially I worked alongside the farmer in the pit milking cows, but after two weeks, I was running the dairy on my own. I learnt how to identify cows in heat, I did ploughing, spread manure, made grass silage, fed the cows, did vaccinatations and kept the records up to date. My day started with milking at 5:30am and I’d finish at 6pm, although sometimes I worked until 10pm.
How long were you there?
I was supposed to stay for 10 months but the Thiessens got my visa extended for another two. I think they were impressed my work. It took me two or three months to learn to speak basic German, which showed them how serious I was about fitting in.
What did you learn about farm management?
When you work alone with the boss, you have to make sure that everything is in top condition because if anything goes wrong you are the one who’s going to be blamed. I learnt to put in 110% effort and to always be motivated.
How has the apprenticeship helped you develop as a person?
It has opened my eyes to the realities of life. I’m a different person to the one I was when I left for Germany. I’ve learnt to work long, hard hours without a problem. I also learnt another way of life and how to save money. I’m much more confident and have grown up. I’ve also been able to see a bit of Europe. I travelled to a few of the major cities like Berlin and Denmark and even went skiing in Austria – that was fun but it was hard.
Would you say your life is on a different course now?
Yes. Before I went overseas Judy Stuart, who organised the apprenticeship, told me it would change my life. I couldn’t understand what she was telling me. Now I understand.
What has happened in your life since you got back?
I have visited a few dairy farmers who were interested in giving me a serious job. I have now accepted a job with Ant Galliers, a dynamic dairy farmer in Camberg in KwaZulu-Natal.
Why cows and not crops?
I just love cows and animals. I have no problem doing crops, but I especially love cows. Dairy cows give you everything they have.
Would you like your own farm one day?
Yes of course. But I would like to learn more first. I haven’t reached the highest level of education so for now I would like to learn more.
Why would you encourage farmers to take on apprentices from Zakhe?
It would help both the farmer and the apprentice. Zakhe boys are hard workers and have a background in agriculture. They’ve learnt the theory but need the farmers to help them with the practical experience.
What is the future of agriculture in SA?
We are progressing but we still have problems, especially with a lack of skills. We have seen very productive farmland change hands through land reform and fall out of production because people lack the skills and knowledge to manage it. Some emerging farmers want to own farms but they don’t want to work, they want to sit back and hire other people to do the hard work. But if we could run farms like the Germans, with a man, a wife and an apprentice, we could have success with farming. Schools like Zakhe also have a role to play.
What are the main differences between German and South African dairy farms?
In Germany the cows stay inside most of the time and you have to make grass silage. Here most farms do maize silage. They also have smaller herds, but their milk production is high, perhaps because of the knowledge they have. In Germany you aren’t allowed to run a farm if you don’t have certain qualifications. The farmer is very hands-on and runs the farm with very little outside help.
Would you encourage youngsters to go into farming?
I would not encourage people to do it unless they at least like it. They can always develop a love for it. Most people don’t want to go into farming because they think it’s about getting dirty and working hard. But’s not only about that. I could be anything I want: a farmer, an office worker, a mechanic. Agriculture is everything.
Who has helped you get to where you are today?
There are so many people who have contributed to my life, especially my parents. It wasn’t easy at first but now they see what they have planted. Richard Dladla and the management of Zakhe all helped me to be a good boy and get good results. Judy Stuart helped me to get overseas and especially the Thiessens who took me overseas and organised my visa. Also my friends at school who motivated me. They have all played a big role and changed my life forever. |fw
