By Montsho Matlala
Lindiwe Motlakala is a committed vegetable and grain farmer in the Waterberg district of Limpopo who transformed her frustrations during the 2020 nationwide Covid-19 lockdown into an entrepreneurial farming plan.
Despite lacking formal training in food and agriculture and not owning land, Lindiwe Motlakala, a young rural woman, approached an established commercial farmer in Thabazimbi for space and practical training in farming and food production skills.
Lindiwe was pleasantly surprised when the farm owner not only leased her a piece of land but also became her mentor. Today, she cultivates vegetables and grains on the 100 hectares of leased land, which is irrigated and employs four full-time workers, as well as numerous seasonal workers. She has also begun expanding her operations to include egg production.
Montsho Matlala spoke with this remarkable growing farmer, who is adding yet another feather to her cap.
Ever since the entrepreneurial bug was sparked by the disruption of economic activities caused by Covid-19, Lindiwe Motlakala has not looked back. Today, she harvests butternuts, watermelons, soybeans, sugar beans, wheat, yellow mealies, and green mealies for the market on a leased farm outside Thabazimbi, Limpopo.
During the pandemic, Lindiwe noted that although people’s movements were limited, they still purchased food. “I decided to get involved in farming. The road was not easy, and even today, it is no bed of roses. Passion is not enough; you need determination and the ability to work hard and learn,” said Lindiwe, a former worker at OBARO agricultural cooperative.
Today, as the owner of Diwe Farming on her leased land at Haakdoring 373, KQ Koedoeskop, outside Thabazimbi, she has not only provided full employment for herself and four young people – two women and two men – but also employs up to 40 seasonal workers on a rotational basis, of whom ten are men.
“With strong mentorship and support from Jan Buys, we can make progress with our farming operation. Currently, things are hectic. We must harvest 74 hectares. This includes seven hectares of green millets, 54 hectares of wheat, and 13 hectares of sugar beans. Workers are dependable partners, and I ensure that I participate in physical farm tasks alongside them, including hoeing, harvesting, and caring for the chickens. It is a good way of learning things practically instead of just being the boss,” said the 37-year-old emerging farmer.
Markets
Most of the grains produced by Diwe Farming go to Grain Feed Holding and Brisen Commodities. Butternuts and watermelons are supplied to Pick ’n Pay, Roots Stores, Spar, Pretoria Market, as well as Mabeka Agency. The farm is also accessible to informal traders who buy in bulk for their customers.
Challenges
Although things are flourishing, Lindiwe has endured many challenges.
“In March this year, the farm lost approximately R5.21 million to floods when 20 hectares of planted soya beans, 20 hectares of sugar beans, and 25 hectares of planted yellow maize were damaged by torrential rains and floods,” she says.
“When I began this venture about five years ago, I encountered many discouraging challenges, such as delays in planting caused by bad weather, pest and disease infestations, and doubts about the chances of success. Nevertheless, I kept going with support from my mentor and ultimately harvested 122 tonnes of wheat, 46 tonnes of soya beans, 10 884 watermelons, and 6 221 butternuts from 2022 to 2023.”
She finds working the land without farming machinery very costly. “I hire equipment, and the rates are high; for instance, a planter can cost up to R800/h, a fertiliser spreader R450/h, and a chemical sprayer R550/h.”
However, her zeal and resilience keep her on track every day of her farming life.
“When I feel low, I remind myself that when I started this project, I negotiated for 10 hectares but received 2.5 hectares, then 7.5 hectares, and eventually 10 hectares, up to 15 hectares. Today, I am settling on 100 hectares because my lessor-cum mentor recognises our potential and dedication. There are also various officials from the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) who visit occasionally to offer further assistance, especially on precision farming,” she said.
Spreading her wings
She is the recipient of the 2024 Smallholder Producer award at the Waterberg district level and looks forward to achieving more as she expands her egg production.
“Since late last year, I have been adding layer chickens to my portfolio, and we are already supplying eggs locally. We are optimistic, although it is still early to talk about break-even.”
And her future in farming ventures?
Lidiwe expresses her desire to increase food production, including eggs, on her farm using her farming implements and cultivating more hectares. This will create more permanent and seasonal jobs, especially for young people.
