The first crop of female farmers has completed the first phase of Momentum Metropolitan Foundation’s Women in Farming programme in Pietermaritzburg. This programme seeks to upskill and integrate the young farmers into value chains, in the process stimulating rural food security and local economies. Robyn Joubert reports on an initiative that’s tapping into agriculture for the greater good.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN? I have received a lot of advice but in 2000, my geography teacher, Mr. Sithi, sat me down and told me that I must always believe in myself and my potential. WHO HAS MADE THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR SUCCESS? I…

Elvis Maremani grew up herding goats in the rural village of Mashamba, near Makhado. Seeking an escape from poverty and rural village life, he followed a career path into the corporate world. However, a chance visit to a renowned goat and sheep breeder inspired his journey back to his farming roots. He now farms Indigenous Veld Goats, Savanna goats and Bosvelder sheep on communal land in his home village. Peter Mashala paid him a visit.