In an initiative aimed at empowering local youth and promoting sustainable agriculture, Impala Bafokeng, in partnership with Shell Lubricants and Thojane Organic Farming, has equipped 26 graduates with the tools and knowledge to embark on their agricultural journeys.
On 26 August, these graduates of an agricultural skills training programme received starter packs to help launch their subsistence farming ventures.
The programme, launched in 2021, is designed to train young people in farming techniques that can be applied to subsistence agriculture, with the potential to expand into commercial farming.
The latest cohort are ready to apply their newly acquired skills, and with the support of Shell they are better positioned to turn their training into action.
Shell provided the starter packs through its Farm of the Future campaign, and they include essential tools and consumables needed to cultivate backyard vegetable gardens. These resources are designed to help the graduates not only feed their families but also generate income by selling surplus produce.
Speaking about the impact of the initiative, Nazareth Tekeste, general manager at Shell South Africa Lubricants, emphasised the importance of supporting communities through sustainable agricultural programmes.
“At Shell, we are committed to making a positive impact on people’s lives. This includes providing access to resources that empower communities, foster inclusion and contribute to local development. Our Farm for the Future campaign aligns perfectly with this initiative, as it aims to boost food security and economic growth in the agricultural sector,” she said.
The training programme, spearheaded by Kenalemang Kgoroeadira, fondly known as Mama Kena, an expert in indigenous knowledge systems and the founder of Thojane Organic Farming, provides a comprehensive education in farming techniques, business management and life skills.
Kgoroeadira’s award-winning farm has long been a hub for agricultural education, and the success of her graduates speaks to the effectiveness of her approach.
The graduates have been trained in practical skills such as crop planting, land preparation and marketing, enabling them to operate viable small-scale farms. Some have already begun producing vegetables and supplying retailers such as Food Lover’s Market and nearby mines.
Some graduates have been given access to greenhouses at Impala Bafokeng in Rustenburg, where they can scale their farming operations beyond subsistence and venture into commercial farming.
According to Martin Pieters, head of sustainable development at Impala Platinum, this is part of a broader vision to help these young farmers transition from subsistence to commercial enterprises, thus promoting long-term sustainability. “The idea is for them to become viable businesses, breaking even and eventually contributing to the local economy,” he said.
