I’d like to thank the team at Grain SA for the work they’re doing in developing sustainable black commercial farmers, despite the challenges facing the grain industry. Through their farmer development and mentoring programme, the organisation has helped thousands of emerging black farmers across the country.
Currently, more than 3 000 previously disadvantaged farmers participate in the programme. Some might even be called “commercial” as they’re ready to compete in the big league with their counterparts.The programme has aided the transformation of the industry, and has contributed to food security for the country.
I have no vested interest in promoting Grain SA. But where I grew up, it’s right to say thank you when someone has done something for you. And I think that the nation should recognise the good work this organisation is doing, and say thank you. Recently, I was invited on a tour of successful black commercial farmers in the Free State.
Two of the three farmers we visited were members of the Grain SA development programme. William Matasane from Senekal in the Eastern Free State and Isak Khuto from Ficksburg were both finalists in the organisation’s annual Developing Grain Producer of the Year competition. William, who farms on nearly 1 000ha, is this year’s winner.
Listening to the two men made me realise that no matter what we say in our little offices up in the cities, many white farmers are very willing to help. Both William and Isak were quick to acknowledge their sincere gratitude to their white commercial neighbours, who have played major roles in their success. When William got to the farm, he didn’t even have implements.
He said his neighbour brought all his implements to his farm and planted for him, free of charge. Isak said the same thing. The true spirit of Ubuntu prevails deep in the platteland. This is what South African farming should be about. To those white commercial farmers who work tirelessly to develop emerging farmers without being recognised, a big bow to you. Keep it up!
