By Maile Matsimela
A noble intention to fight poverty, create employment and contribute to food security is paying off for 26-year-old Tshegofatso Tjale, a farmer from Ga-Matlala in Limpopo.
He owns Morajana Animal Production, one of the businesses recently recognised as among Limpopo’s most innovative and impactful small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). The Limpopo Business Awards ceremony, held earlier this month, celebrated local entrepreneurs who have demonstrated resilience, creativity, and a commitment to drive sustainable economic growth and job creation in the province. An initiative by the Limpopo Provincial Government in partnership with Standard Bank South Africa, it serves as a vital platform to support entrepreneurship.
Morajana and other category winners each received R85 000 in prize money. In addition, all winners and finalists gain access to the Standard Bank Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme, which offers tailored support, mentorship, market access and finance solutions.
Growing jobs and inspiring future farmers
Morajana Animal Production specialises in intensive pig farming and the cultivation of peppadews, cabbages and butternuts. Tshegofatso says he has established markets for his produce, such as Goseame Fresh Produce and Pure Nature Foods.
Tshegofatso, who holds an honour’s degree in psychology, told African Farming he was inspired to start the business after noticing a shortage of black farmers and food suppliers in the markets. The challenge of poverty in his community also motivated him to create opportunities for job creation through agriculture. He currently employs six permanent staff members and 16 casual workers – most of whom are women, and the majority under the age of 35.
His operation complies with regulatory frameworks such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and South African Good Agricultural Practices (SAGAP), and he is a member of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO).
Tshegofatso says he runs his business as professionally as possible. All staff members have personal protective equipment (PPE) and formal employment contracts that comply with minimum wage regulations.
His business was also recognised as the second-best pork producer in South Africa at the ENVARTO Pork Carcass Competition 2024.
Tshegofatso offers mentorship programmes to learners of Ambergate Primary School in Ngwanallela and aspiring young farmers, and contributes to community events through sponsorships.
Regarding the award, Tjale said he feels great and is proud of the work he and his team have done to ensure they run the farm in the best way possible. “Being acknowledged by Limpopo Treasury and Standard Bank also feels great as it shows that our good work is seen and appreciated. And besides, we were never funded by any institution before to be where we are now,” said Tjale.
Contributing to Limpopo’s economy
At the awards ceremony, Sydney Hlatshwayo, head of coverage (Limpopo) at Standard Bank’s Business and Commercial Banking division, said the Limpopo Business Awards are about more than acknowledging success. “They are about recognising the resilience, innovation and determination of businesses that are reshaping the province’s economy. At Standard Bank, we are committed to supporting enterprises with the tools and opportunities they need as they start, manage and grow their operations, supporting them to thrive and make a lasting impact in the communities that they serve.”
Gavin Pratt, the head of department at the Limpopo Provincial Treasury, said this year’s award-winning businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience, and played a pivotal role in driving economic participation and uplifting local communities. “Their contributions are a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship in shaping the future of our province, and as local government, this is but one of the many ways in which we continuously demonstrate our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs.”
This year’s Limpopo Business Awards received 167 entries from across the province, with particularly strong representation from the agriculture sector. A total of 42 businesses were shortlisted, reflecting not only the strength and diversity of Limpopo’s business landscape but also the growing depth of entrepreneurial activity in the province.
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