7 May 2024
By: Lebogang Mashala
Mondi is developing 122 emerging farmers and supporting 320 permanent and seasonal jobs.
The paper giant has been developing farmers through its Zimele programme since the onset of Covid-19. The aim is to combat food insecurity and increase food accessibility in rural communities. The 122 farmers comprise members of 11 cooperatives and six individuals.
The Zimele programme has created about 320 permanent and seasonal jobs and generated R2 million in revenue, benefiting more than 1 098 households since its launch.
Nelly Ndlovu, the general manager at Mondi, says the Zimele programme is the development arm of Mondi South Africa. The programme for small, medium and micro agricultural enterprises is part of a broader initiative that offers technical and business support to emerging farmers.
The programme mainly focuses on communities in Zululand, northern KwaZulu-Natal, where Mondi and SiyaQhubeka Forests operate. There are plans to expand it to other nearby communities.
Ndlovu says Mondi views agriculture as a way to achieve economic freedom. To support this goal, the company provides farmers with technical assistance, business support and financial management training through the Zimele programme.
According to Bongile Bho from Bongile Bho Trading and Projects, the programme was instrumental in equipping her with valuable knowledge and she credits Zimele for her transformation into an independent farmer. Initially, she sold her produce at bus stations but now she supplies Spar and Food Lover’s Market.
Thanks to a borehole installed by Mondi, Sifiso Nkwanyana of Dokodweni Farming has resolved the issue of water scarcity. His crop has made it to the shelves of Spar and Pick n Pay.
Ndlovu says the Zimele programme’s critical success factors have been the facilitation of formal markets, exceptional support from retailers and fresh produce markets, and the vision to formalise supply partnerships with food manufacturers. “The farmers have all seen tremendous growth and are afforded an equal opportunity to supply top retailers in South Africa,” she says.
Eva Biyela of Imahlobo Co-operative in Nzalabantu Reserve says the programme has been a great help in educating farmers about finance and business. “They have taught us to keep a record of all the expenses, including the cost of seeds and chemicals, and all the earnings, so that we have a clear understanding of our individual profits,” she explains.
Lizwi Dube, a beneficiary from Ezemvelo Fresh Produce in Mtubatuba, says the training refined his skills, especially in interacting with retailers and selecting high-quality produce for market distribution. Dube emphasises the importance of dominating the market through the supply of premium products year-round.
The Fakude family, who own and operate Mtolo Farming and Produce in KwaMthethwa, say they lacked networking programmes and training. They credit Mondi Zimele for assisting them in expanding their business and acquiring the information and knowledge needed to sustain it and meet customer demands.
Ndlovu says the programme is open to all emerging Zululand farmers. They can send their proposals, with pictures of their operations, to their local traditional authority, which sits on the Mondi Liaising Forum.
“After conducting a comprehensive assessment, the chiefs submit their findings to Mondi’s land department to determine their stage of development, whether subsistence or semi-commercial. If they meet all the criteria, Mondi Zimele will then provide them with the necessary support,” says Ndlovu.
