Business

Drip irrigation has long been a trusted method for irrigating sugar cane, as it is widely recognised for its ability to reduce resource use and increase crop yields, writes Marike Brits, Netafim Southern & East Africa.

Organic and biodynamic farming practices have been used at Reyneke Wines since the early 1990s. Johan Reyneke, owner of the estate, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his production philosophy.

Noluthando Khumalo grew up in Impendle within the uMgungundlovu District in KwaZulu-Natal at the foot of the Drakensberg. The settlement is in the catchment areas of the Mkhomazi River in the south and the Mngeni River in the north-east. The area is extremely diverse in its topography, climate and soil, and has a rich and complex natural environment.

“Farming chose me,” says Yolanda Mbali Maphalala. Maphalala grew up in the rural community of Zwelisha in KwaZulu-Natal where agriculture is seen as a way of life.

Thabiso Sithole’s vision of building a fully integrated agricultural business received an injection after he was named as one of the finalists in the Metropolitan Collective Shapers Programme.

Sphanaso Ngubane is the founder of Comet Emporia Agri-Farming, an enterprise based in the rural area of Msinga in the Umzinyathi district of KwaZulu-Natal, near Greytown. She is dedicated to poultry production.

A young Brangus stud breeder in the Free State is on a mission to open doors for other young farmers. Danielle de Kock shares her story with Farmer’s Weekly, including her work as a farmer, and the challenges and opportunities faced by young farmers.

In 2023, Nduduzo Mtshali registered Feather Field Broiler Enterprise, a mixed farming business in Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal. He spoke to Magda du Toit about the challenges of starting out with limited resources, his marketing strategy, and how the Metropolitan Collective Shapers programme helped him take his operation to the next level.

Growing up in Hammersdale in KwaZulu-Natal in a family that produced vegetables in their own garden played a defining role in Sindiswa Ndlovu’s decision to embark on a career in gardening and landscaping eight years ago.

Linda Mthalane began her farming journey five years ago when she purchased her first cattle. She is one of the few producers breeding Simbra and Brahman cattle in the area where she farms, and she is also a city woman stepping into male-dominated space. Originally from Amanzimtoti near Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, Mthalane relocated to Dundee after a 10-year career in the corporate hospitality industry.

As a young agripreneur, Siphindile Hlengwa is making waves in her area, but also in the broader agriculture sector. Hlengwa is the founder and director of Ndlovukazi Agriculture Multipurpose (Ndlovukazi) in the heart of Imfume in KwaZulu-Natal.

Bhekumndeni Khumalo Zulu is a stock farmer with a dream. He not only wishes to be successful himself, but strongly feels that there should be a greater focus on empowering small-scale farmers in Kwa-Zulu Natal. That was one of the reasons he entered the Metropolitan Collective Shapers programme.