Trading off the back of his bakkie in the former homeland of Ciskei taught Aviwe Gxotiwe to respect the work ethic and business skills of immigrant Somali and Pakistani businesspeople. Today he applies the same principles in his own business – the 2 300ha lucerne and sheep farm Soutvleij in the Somerset East district of the Eastern Cape.

A mixed bag works well for Mandla and Johnson Mandlendoda, whose agricultural interests and activities – although separate – are tethered by family and business bonds. Their successful ventures embrace markets ranging from fresh produce to feedlots, and from tourism to mohair. The brothers ‘talk farming’ to Peter Mashala.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? Cois Harman encouraged me and advised me to stick to what…

We farm Angora goats and the winter is a less busy time for us. However, because the goats were shorn in March, their hair is growing back now – and to maintain good growth and quality, we’ve started dipping them.

In 2002, farming veteran Abel Naphtaly found his way back to agriculture by accident while searching for a slaughter ox when his successful security company celebrated 10 years in business. The purchase not only renewed his love of farming, it also sparked a new flame – he has since developed a passion for the Santa Gertrudis cattle breed. He shared his story with Peter Mashala.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? Never underestimate the power of networking. I learn a lot by…

Dineo Mokgoshi was looking for an opportunity to invest her money in a business that would offer good returns. She never would have imagined a future as a full­time farmer – until she was inspired by the story of a woman farmer who rose to the challenge and achieved great success in the world of agriculture. Dineo shares her own transformational journey with African Farming.

I am the founder and CEO of The Green Terrace in the Bapsfontein area of Gauteng. I grow fresh produce, including spinach, peppers and cabbages, using hydroponics systems in greenhouses. I use drip irrigation and automated fertigation to water and feed my crops. My harvests are currently marketed to retailers, wholesalers and processors.