Born and raised in the village of Matibidi near Graskop in Mpumalanga, his journey is a story of resilience, determination and a deep-rooted love for farming.
Godfrey matriculated from Hlong Secondary School in 2007 and joined a learnership programme in community development practice at Moholoholo Community Organisation. He then obtained an NQF Level 2 certificate in electrical infrastructure construction at Ehlanzeni FET College.
In 2011, Godfrey started working as a medical laboratory technician at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela, and two years later he joined the South African Police Service (SAPS) and completed basic training at Tshwane SAPS Academy. He was attached to Lydenburg SAPS visible policing in 2014 and transferred to the local criminal record centre in 2016.
He resigned from the SAPS in 2020 and became a sales representative at Yendelela (Pty) Ltd, but his passion for agriculture, kindled during his childhood when he assisted his grandmother with crop production, meant his heart remained in the fields.
In 2021, Godfrey founded Peakanyo Projects, an AgriSETA-accredited education and training provider in mixed farming, animal and plant production. After initial struggles, he then decided to start farming vegetables with mentorship from his brother, Khutso Mohubedu, an agricultural professional.
Godfrey’s goal is to produce and supply tomatoes and cabbages all year round on a contract basis. This can be achieved only if he develops his four hectares of dry land. For now, he sells only to walk-in clients and cannot contract with them due to limited supply.
He draws inspiration from black farmers such as Mbali Nwoko, founder and CEO of Green Terrace, who grows and exports fresh produce, and Bennedicter Hlongos of Benica Farm, who supplies fresh produce to large retail stores around Bushbuckridge.
Despite minimal resources and lack of funding, Peakanyo Projects has made significant strides. In the 2022/2023 financial year, the company produced 26 tonnes of tomatoes and 800 cabbages on 0,2ha, employing nine seasonal workers. The following year, it harvested 3,4 tonnes of tomatoes on 0,15ha, providing employment to 11 casual workers.
Godfrey’s produce has found a market in Hazyview, Mbombela, Burgersfort and Lydenburg. He has also supplied a school feeding scheme contractor with tomatoes and cabbages.
Now his goal is to expand production, employ permanent staff and run education and training programmes for aspiring farmers. He applied for funding from the Mpumalanga premier’s office for fencing, water supply, a tractor and a greenhouse tunnel with an irrigation system, but his application was rejected.
He is enrolled in an entrepreneurship development programme run by Babcock Education and Training in collaboration with Henley Business School. This programme, which commenced in June and will run until February 2025, will equip him with the knowledge and skills to run and manage a sustainable agri-business.
Godfrey’s journey is a testament to the potential of agriculture as a tool for social and economic upliftment and a beacon of hope for aspiring farmers. His journey continues, and we look forward to seeing where it leads.
