What started as an informal family project a decade ago has blossomed into one of the Sarah Baartman District’s most remarkable agricultural success stories, proving that with determination and strategic support, small-scale farming can create lasting economic impact.
By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming
Tommy Thys never imagined that his modest vegetable farming venture would grow into a cooperative producing tens of thousands of vegetables every harvest cycle. But today, Ukuvuka Ekuseni Agricultural Primary Cooperative is a beacon of hope in Hankey, where citrus farming has traditionally dominated the landscape.
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Breaking the Mould in Citrus Country
In a region where citrus farms stretch as far as the eye can see, Thys made the bold decision to focus on vegetables. Established in 2015, his cooperative now operates across 10.72ha, making it one of only four vegetable producers in the area.
The numbers speak for themselves: every two to three months, the farm produces between 30 000 and 50 000 cabbages, alongside 5 000 cauliflowers, 5 000 broccoli and substantial quantities of pumpkins, butternuts, beetroots and carrots. The diverse operation extends beyond vegetables, with 14 pigs and 10 cattle adding multiple revenue streams.
“For me, this cooperative is about securing a future for my children,” Thys explains. “I told them there are no jobs waiting in South Africa. We must build something that will carry them long after I’m gone.”
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Government Investment Proves Transformational
The turning point came when the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) provided an incentive of just over R385 000 through its Imvaba Co-operative Fund. The funding, secured after a referral from a Department of Agriculture official who was impressed by the family’s work ethic, has revolutionised their operations.
Previously, the cooperative struggled with rental costs of up to R250 per hour for tractor implements, which were often needed for several days during peak periods. The grant enabled them to purchase their own equipment and upgrade irrigation systems, dramatically reducing operational costs and boosting production capacity.
“The workload is so much lighter now. Imvaba came at the right time. I’m very grateful,” says Thys.
Creating Jobs and Building Community
The cooperative’s success extends beyond the Thys family. During peak harvest seasons, they employ between 14 and 18 casual workers, providing vital short-term employment in a community where job opportunities are scarce.
The family operation has truly become a family affair, with Thys’s wife Joyce and children Liana, Victoria and Romano now jointly managing operations. This approach aligns with Thys’s vision of building generational wealth through sustainable agriculture.
But their impact reaches further into the community. Thys regularly donates produce to the local soup kitchen, Hankey Secondary School and families in need during times of bereavement.
Ready for the Big Leagues
Perhaps most impressively, the cooperative’s vegetables already meet the quality standards demanded by major retailers including Spar, Shoprite and Woolworths. Their produce currently reaches consumers through the Markman Market in Gqeberha, but Thys has his sights set much higher.
“The demand is there, the quality is there. All we need now is a packhouse to unlock those opportunities,” he explains.
Also read:
Lost and found: A heart-warming story from the cold Eastern Cape
R50m cash injection drives growth of Eastern Cape agribusinesses
ECDC identifies bankable agribusiness prospects at Chris Hani District Agricultural Show
