The Limpopo MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Nakedi Kekana, handed over a tractor and oversaw a harvesting programme at Mazeli Farming and Projects in the Blouberg Municipality, Capricorn District. This thriving agricultural enterprise is led by Andries Masoga.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
Mazeli Farming and Projects is one of the success stories supported through the Department’s Farmer and Producer Support Programme. The enterprise shows how targeted government support, producer commitment and strong market connections can transform an emerging farmer into a commercially competitive player in the agricultural sector.
Before receiving departmental support, Mazeli had just four hectares of tomatoes and five hectares of butternuts, with only one centre-pivot irrigation system. Today, potato farming is its primary enterprise, with 26.5ha currently in production, including 10ha under contract with PepsiCo’s Simba brand and 16.5ha of Mondial potatoes earmarked for the Mozambique export market.
Also read: MEC visits smallholder farms to assess readiness for commercialisation
Employment and Workforce
The company boasts 10 permanent employees and 150 seasonal workers.
Through the combined efforts of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the national Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and Potatoes SA, Mazeli has expanded its irrigation infrastructure, upgraded mechanisation and established on-site storage facilities. These interventions have enhanced productivity and have also ensured a consistent supply to domestic and export markets.
Since moving to planting potatoes in 2021, Mazeli’s yields soared from 10 tonnes per hectare to an impressive 55 tonnes per hectare in 2024. Strategic offtake agreements with PepsiCo and export partnerships have opened new revenue streams, and plans are under way to enter the fresh produce market with washed and graded potatoes.
Also read: How to produce, harvest and store sweet potatoes
