Three outstanding farming enterprises walked away with top honours at the Sasol Bridge to Work (BtW) Farmers’ Day held in Secunda on 11 June, sharing R700 000 in prize funding aimed at accelerating the growth of black-owned agricultural businesses.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
The competition, which forms part of Sasol’s BtW programme, recognises high-performing farmers who have shown strong business growth, innovation, sustainability and a commitment to creating jobs within their communities.
Inkaba Farming takes top prize
Claiming first place and the R350 000 grand prize was Inkaba Farming, a diversified agricultural enterprise in the Gert Sibande District Municipality in Mpumalanga. Founded by qualified auto-electrician-turned-farmer Mfanzile Maseko, Inkaba Farming has grown into a thriving operation spanning about 1 000ha of leased land.
The business combines livestock and crop production, with activities including piggery, broiler production, cattle farming and the breeding of high-quality Bonsmara stud bulls. Crop production includes maize, green peppers, chillies, paprika, okra and pumpkins.
The farm also operates its own nursery, supplying seedlings for internal production as well as for neighbouring agricultural growers.
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Mswamarawala earns second place
The second prize of R200 000 went to Mswamarawala (Pty) Ltd, a growing farming enterprise in the Govan Mbeki Municipality in Mpumalanga. The business was recognised for its commitment to sustainable agricultural growth, job creation and entrepreneurial excellence. Its success highlights the important role emerging agricultural enterprises play in stimulating local economic development while creating employment opportunities in rural communities.
Young woman farmer takes third spot
The third place prize of R150 000 went to TCM Squared Farming Projects, an award-winning mixed-farming and agro-processing business near Bronkhorstspruit and Ekangala in Gauteng.
Founded by young entrepreneur Tsholofelo Mokwele, the enterprise has built a reputation for its integrated farming model, specialising in livestock, poultry and vegetable production. The recognition reflects the growing contribution of women and youth in driving agricultural innovation and business growth within the sector.
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More than prize money
“Today’s awards are more than financial resources. They represent an investment in people, an investment in entrepreneurship and an investment in the future of agriculture in South Africa,” said Sasol senior manager for Skills and Economic Inclusion Programmes, Themba Mazibuko, during the awards ceremony.
Mazibuko explained that the support will help winners strengthen their operations, improve productivity, invest in infrastructure and equipment, expand market access and position their businesses for long-term sustainability.
Building black commercial farmers
The Sasol programme aims to nurture commercially successful black farmers who can contribute to food security, rural economic growth and job creation. “Our ambition is to develop black commercial farmers, strengthen food security, stimulate rural economies and create opportunities that uplift families and communities,” Mazibuko said.
He congratulated the winners and encouraged them to use the funding as a springboard for further growth. “The awards you receive today are a vote of confidence in the future of your business.”
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