Limpopo Agriculture MEC Nakedi Kekana, together with Thabazimbi Mayor Councillor Tumisang Pilane, recently handed over a tractor and planter to up-and-coming young female commercial farmer Lindiwe Motlakala, who operates under Diwe Farm in Thabazimbi in the Waterberg District. Motlakala has also received a boom sprayer from her mentor, marking a significant milestone in her agricultural journey.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
The move is part of government’s broader support initiatives to support and enable small-scale farmers to grow into commercial operations. Diwe Farm, which practises precision farming, started in 2019 on a 7.5ha lease and has experienced remarkable growth, expanding to 15ha, then 38ha, and now operates on 100ha.
Diwe has been supported by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the form of fertilisers, seeds and extension services. The farm produces mainly vegetables and grain, and is one of the 10 projects identified for commercialisation within the Waterberg District, with similar initiatives running across other districts.
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In her remarks, MEC Kekana said she hopes that the three pieces of equipment will enable the farmer to maximise her profit. She further emphasised that the mechanisation will help sustain the project and address the challenges that form part of the departmental mandate. The MEC thanked Diwe’s mentor for donating the sprayer, saying it represents the kind of partnership they want to see. She concluded by announcing the Call for Farmer Support and appealing to farmers to apply.
A Journey Born from Covid-19 Challenges
In June, African Farming published the story of Motlakala, revealing the remarkable journey that led to this moment. The 37-year-old emerging farmer’s path to success began during an unlikely time – the 2020 nationwide Covid-19 lockdown.
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Motlakala developed an interest in food production during the pandemic when she saw people going out to buy food despite restrictions on their movements. She realised that, whatever the ban on human activities, food would always be in demand. This entrepreneurial insight sparked her transformation from frustration to opportunity.
Despite lacking formal training in food and agriculture and not owning land, the young rural woman approached an established commercial farmer in Thabazimbi for space and practical training in farming and food production skills. She was pleasantly surprised when the farm owner, Jan Buys, not only leased her a piece of land but also became her mentor.
“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 Motlakala, a former worker at OBARO agricultural cooperative.
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Building an Agricultural Empire
Today, as the owner of Diwe Farm on her leased land at Haakdoring 373, KQ Koedoeskop, outside Thabazimbi, she has created substantial employment opportunities. The farm provides full employment for herself and four young people – two women and two men – and employs up to 40 seasonal workers on a rotational basis.
Motlakala harvests butternuts, watermelons, soybeans, sugar beans, wheat, yellow mealies and green mealies for the market. Most of the grains produced go to Grain Feed Holding and Brisen Commodities, and butternuts and watermelons are supplied to Pick n Pay, Roots Stores, Spar, Tshwane Market and Mabeka Market Agency. The farm is also accessible to informal traders who buy in bulk.
Her hands-on approach sets her apart as a leader. “I ensure that I participate in physical farm tasks alongside workers, including hoeing, harvesting and caring for the chickens. It is a good way of learning things practically instead of just being the boss,” she explained.
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Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Motlakala’s journey hasn’t been without significant setbacks. In March, the farm lost approximately R5.21 million to floods when 65ha of crops were damaged by torrential rains. Previously, she faced delays in planting caused by bad weather, pest and disease infestations, and doubts about her chances of success.
The cost of hiring farming equipment has been a persistent challenge. “A planter can cost up to R800/hr, a fertiliser spreader R450/hr and a chemical sprayer R550/hr,” she noted. The recent handover of the tractor and planter directly addresses this critical need.
Despite challenges, her achievements speak volumes. From 2022 to 2023, she harvested 122 tonnes of wheat, 46 tonnes of soybeans, 10 884 watermelons and 6 221 butternuts. She was also the recipient of the 2024 Smallholder Producer award at the Waterberg District level.
Expanding Horizons
Motlakala continues to diversify her operations, recently adding layer chickens to her portfolio and supplying eggs locally. Her goal is to increase food production on more hectares using her own equipment, creating more permanent and seasonal jobs, especially for young people.
With strong mentorship from Jan Buys and support from the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Lindiwe Motlakala exemplifies the success possible when government support meets entrepreneurial determination and effective mentorship. The equipment handover marks another step forward in her journey from Covid-19 frustration to commercial farming success.
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