For Kgomotso Kgwadi, agriculture is about far more than cattle, crops or making a living. It’s about building a future, creating opportunities for others and writing a story worth telling.
By Talitha Janse van Vuuren, multimedia editor at African Farming
At just 18 years old, the first-year student at Ekurhuleni Agricultural College already speaks with the conviction of someone who knows exactly where he wants to go. His ambition is to become a respected beef producer known for quality livestock and meat production, before eventually expanding into dairy farming.
“In 10 years, I see myself running my own farm and supplying quality beef to local supermarket franchises,” he says. “For now, while I’m still learning, I plan to start with Boer goats and sell to the market to build a steady income.”
His journey into agriculture began long before college. As a young boy, visits to family members in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, introduced him to farm life and planted the seed of a lifelong passion.
“The morning bellows of the cows – that’s what actually sparked my love for agriculture,” he recalls.
Although he did not grow up on a farm full-time, those experiences left a lasting impression.
“I knew from the first time I put my feet in a kraal that this is actually what I want to do in life.”
Also read: ‘You don’t just wake up and become a farmer’ – lessons from a young livestock producer
Turning challenges into motivation
Growing up wasn’t always easy. Kgwadi lost his father at a young age and was raised primarily by his mother. Rather than allowing hardship to define him, he chose to let it strengthen him.
“My mom and my uncle are my number one supporters,” he says. “Don’t let the fact that you don’t have a father hold you back. See the support you have around you.”
His mother remains his greatest source of encouragement.
“My mom has been my biggest supporter. She’s proud that I chose to follow this path, and she hopes to see me owning and managing my own farm one day, turning my passion into a lifelong legacy.”
That support has helped shape a young man who believes resilience is one of the most valuable qualities a farmer can have.
“Agriculture has taught me that I’m more resilient than I thought,” he says. “It’s shown me I can stay strong, focused and keep going even when things get tough.”
Learning more than farming
While studying at Ekurhuleni Agricultural College, Kgwadi says agriculture has taught him lessons that extend far beyond livestock management and production.
One of the most important has been patience.
“You cannot rush everything in agriculture,” he explains. “When you rush, you are likely to mess up something that could actually work out. The most important thing I’ve learnt is patience.”
College has also helped him grow personally.
“I wasn’t always a team player. I used to avoid working with others, but since enrolling at Ekurhuleni Agricultural College, I’ve learnt to open up and work in groups. That’s been a big shift for me.”
He believes mentorship and collaboration are critical for young people entering the industry, especially those without agricultural backgrounds.
Also read: From factory floor to cheese production manager – Pamella Dzindikwa’s remarkable dairy career
Agriculture needs young people
Kgwadi is passionate about encouraging more young people to consider careers in agriculture. At a time when many young South Africans are worrying about unemployment and an uncertain future, he sees agriculture as a sector filled with opportunity.
“Agriculture is the only sector in the economy right now that cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence,” he says. “It’s also a sector that needs a lot of people.”
However, he believes greater awareness is needed.
“I had difficulty finding a school that provides quality agricultural education,” he says. “Agriculture should be advertised more to young people.”
His vision extends beyond his own success. He hopes that one day his farming business will create opportunities for others.
“More than just farming, I want to be known as someone who gives back to the community,” he says. “I want to create more chances for emerging farmers to network and organise workshops to educate farmers who haven’t had the same opportunities.”
Facing challenges with courage
Like many aspiring livestock farmers, Kgwadi is entering an industry facing significant challenges, including the ongoing threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Yet he believes challenges are part of the journey rather than reasons to give up.
“Despite FMD, farmers are still going into cattle farming,” he says. “They are taking risks. Their story will be how they overcome these challenges and how they refuse to be discouraged.”
For him, courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to keep moving forward despite it.
“Life is about overcoming your fears,” he says. “Whether it’s being scared of animals or worried that you’ll study agriculture and not make it, you can’t let that fear stop you from chasing your dream.”
It’s a philosophy that seems to guide every aspect of his life.
As Kgwadi looks towards a future in farming, his goals are ambitious, his vision is clear and his determination is unmistakable. And if there is one lesson he hopes others will take from his journey, it’s the simple phrase that has become his personal motto: “No risk, no story.”
Also read:
Amapiano star Aymos: From the music studio to the pepper fields of Bapsfontein
Growing the next generation of farmers: Inside Ekurhuleni Agricultural College’s 5th annual Farmers’ Day
Fidelity Foundation and Oliver’s Village grow young farmers through skills development
