Young people can draw inspiration from Emmanuel Mbedzi (26) of Musina, who did not allow his poor financial background to stand in his way to success.

When the hard lockdown was imposed in March last year, Mbedzi realized that he could empower his community by bringing food to their doorstep. He did not have a cent in his pocket, but he approached his friend to give him a personal loan of R85 000, which he used to start his farming project known as Mukundi Farm.

He managed to pay back the loan after nine months, and today his mixed farming project is the toast of his community at Musina’s Harper Mine. As a result of his hard work and dedication, today, just 11 months after he started his project, Mbedzi now has 68 pigs, 22 goats, 150 red Indian quails (khwali), 370 chickens laying eggs and four ducks.

Among his goats, Mbedzi said, his favourite is the rare breed of six Cameron Dwarf Wild Goats that he bought from a farmer in Tzaneen. “The owner was relocating, and my friend hooked me up with him. I did not waste any time because I knew that it is rare to get that type of breed. I have also produced my own mixed breed between a Hemisphere and a Duroc pig that I hope to sell to other farmers when they produce more piglets. Among my chickens laying eggs, I have special and rare breeds such as Route Island Red, Lohmann Brown layers and Khoi Khoi layers. I just want to bring something unique, so that I can easily be differentiated from other local farmers. My products are unique and that is what I should be known for. I’m happy because, from April this year, I will start supplying eggs and pork to some of the major retailers here in Musina. I have already secured a contract and the paperwork has already been finalised.”

He said although Covid-19 has had many negative effects, to him it became a blessing in disguise. “I grew up looking after goats at home, but those goats were no longer there when I became a young adult. It ran in my mind during the hard lockdown that I could use those skills to make some income. That is how the idea of starting a farming project came to my mind. And the rest is now history.”

The young farmer said although things were moving well now, he was looking at more land where he would conduct his farming project without limitations. “I am engaging with the local municipality to allocate me a bigger piece of land where I will be able to drill for water and farm to the best of my ability. I want to prove to the nation that, young as I am, I can bring change in my community through farming.”

Young people who would like to venture into farming and need tips can call him on his mobile number, 072 198 7221.