Tumiso Sebogodi is proving opportunities in agriculture exist beyond the farm gate. This Northern Cape farmer is building a career as a livestock auctioneer, connecting other farmers with markets and breaking barriers in the industry.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor of African Farming
The livestock auctioneering industry remains one of agriculture’s less-explored career paths for young black professionals. While many young people aspire to become farmers, few consider the opportunities in marketing livestock through professional auctions. Northern Cape farmer and auctioneer Tumiso Sebogodi is determined to change that perception, building a name for himself one auction at a time.
Farming in Ganspan, about 8 km from Jan Kempdorp in the Northern Cape, Tumiso combines livestock production with a growing auctioneering business. He raises sheep, goats and broiler chickens, and grows cash crops.
“My passion for farming started at a very young age,” he says. “While I was still in primary school, I raised chickens and maintained a vegetable garden. As I grew older, that passion only became stronger.”
After completing his schooling at Northern Cape Agricultural High School, Tumiso furthered his agricultural knowledge by obtaining a qualification in animal production from Peritum Agri Institute in Bloemfontein.
“I am grateful to my parents for supporting my studies,” he says. “The knowledge and practical exposure I gained there gave me the confidence to pursue farming as a career, and I was eventually able to buy my own small farm.”
His journey has not been without obstacles.
“One of my biggest challenges is accessing mentorship, particularly in financial management and record-keeping, which are essential for securing funding from financial institutions. Another challenge is having access to the equipment and machinery needed to work the land efficiently.”
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Discovering a new calling
While buying and selling small stock, Tumiso developed a fascination with livestock auctions.
“As I researched the industry, I realised there were very few black auctioneers. That motivated me to pursue a Diploma in Auctioneering at the South African College of Auctioneering in Kempton Park, which is affiliated with the South African Institute of Auctioneers.”
A promise made during a farming event would soon become the catalyst for his auctioneering career.
“The inspiration came after I made a promise to Kehentse Mosimanyane, one of South Africa’s leading black Boer goat breeders. While we were at a Morakeng Farm Camp Experience, I told him one day I would auction his goats.”
Just a year later, that promise became reality.
“We partnered and established the Morakeng Farm Camp Small Stock Production Auction. It has since become a successful and growing platform, and I am proud of what we have achieved.”
Together with his brother and business partner, Tumiso now conducts about three production auctions annually.
“We focus on delivering professional, high-quality auctions and building a strong reputation in the industry. Our long-term vision is to establish one of South Africa’s leading livestock auction houses.”
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Breaking into a traditional industry
Auctioneering presents an attractive business opportunity for young entrepreneurs.
“Auctioneers earn an income by charging a commission on livestock or other items sold during an auction,” Tumiso says. “As the business grows and more auctions are conducted, there are greater opportunities to generate income while providing an important marketing service to farmers.”
Despite the opportunities, entering the livestock auction industry remains challenging for newcomers.
“One of the biggest challenges is believing in yourself, especially when entering an industry where there are very few people who look like you. Building credibility, gaining experience and earning people’s trust takes time, but self-belief is what keeps you moving forward.”
Independent auctioneers also face structural barriers when competing with well-established auction houses that have long-standing relationships with commercial livestock producers, stud breeders and buyers.
Success in auctioneering is built on relationships. For emerging black auctioneers, breaking into these networks requires time, consistent professional service and trust.
Market access presents another significant hurdle. Unlike established auction houses with entrenched client bases, independent auctioneers must continuously market themselves, recruit quality livestock, attract buyers and demonstrate their ability to secure competitive prices. Emerging auctioneers operating in communal and rural areas may also contend with smaller buyer pools, which can result in lower attendance and, in some cases, lower prices for producers.
Tumiso believes the solution lies in creating value for clients.
“Our strategy has been to engage directly with breeders, offer marketing support and consistently demonstrate value through our performance.”
Looking ahead
“The part I enjoy most is standing behind the microphone and doing what I love best: conducting auctions. I enjoy the energy, interacting with buyers and sellers, and creating an exciting atmosphere while helping producers sell their livestock,” Tumiso says.
“In the next five to 10 years, I see myself becoming one of the leading farmers and auctioneers on the African continent. I also want to build one of South Africa’s top livestock auction businesses while mentoring and creating opportunities for more young people to enter both farming and auctioneering.”
Tumiso’s story demonstrates that agriculture offers opportunities beyond primary production. As the industry continues to transform, professionals like him are showing young black entrepreneurs can build successful careers in specialised fields such as livestock auctioneering.
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