Grain SA has announced with deep sorrow the passing of Nkosana Mtimkulu (42) from Madikwe in North West Province. He was one of the three finalists in the Grain SA’s 2025 Potential Commercial Farmer of the Year Award category.
Nkosana was a first-generation farmer whose journey exemplified resilience, vision and a deep passion for agriculture. He left behind a promising corporate career to pursue his family’s dream at Amantle Farm near Groot Marico. Nkosana turned every challenge into an opportunity and inspired many with his commitment to uplifting communities and mentoring young farmers.
Nkosana, a member of Grain SA since 2018, was a dedicated participant in the Lichtenburg study group. He was known for his eagerness to learn, share knowledge and support others in the agricultural community. To ensure that information and opportunities reached developing farmers, he often hosted farmers’ days at his own expense. His mentor, Du Toit van der Westhuizen, fondly described him as “a dedicated farmer, always eager to learn, grow and apply effective farming and management practices”.
Together with his father, Stephen Mtimkulu, Nkosana co-founded South Western Dairy and later expanded his focus to grain production. His vision was ambitious: to establish a fully integrated commercial enterprise that would serve as a hub for young farmers, students and agricultural technology research.
Nkosana was recently honoured with the Agricultural Writers SA North Region’s New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture Award, and is a finalist in the national competition, of which the winners will be announced on 14 November. This award recognises farmers who have successfully transitioned from subsistence or small-scale production to full commercial farming, showcasing excellence and promise for the future. His story is a powerful testament to the innovation and determination shaping South Africa’s modern farming generation.
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After leaving the corporate world in 2010 to pursue a purpose-driven career in agriculture, Nkosana built a vertically integrated dairy and processing business. In 2022, he transitioned into grain production, forging strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Tiger Brands and PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Development Fund. These collaborations enabled him to produce non-GMO popcorn maize, wheat and small white beans on his 533-hectare operation.
His journey reflected an unwavering belief in agriculture as a means of social and economic transformation and empowerment.
Nkosana’s unexpected passing is a tremendous loss to his family, his community, the Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) family and the broader agricultural sector.
“We honour his contributions, his leadership, and his conviction that agriculture has the power to heal, empower and unify South Africa. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones and all those who were touched by his remarkable life. May the legacy he leaves behind continue to inspire the next generation of farmers,” concluded Grain SA.
“He traded corporate corridors for open fields and in doing so, Nkosana Mtimkulu showed us what courage looks like. A true son of the soil who built his legacy from the ground up. May his story continue to inspire every first-generation farmer who dares to dream,” said Maphuti Mongatane, Business Development Manager at African Farming.
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