WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket. As an African man your bank is in your kraal, hence I started farming when I started working.

IF THERE IS ONE THING YOU COULD DO DIFFERENTLY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I think most things worked out how they should. I have no regrets.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST SUCCESS TO DATE?

To continue to earn income from my farming business even after retirement from the corporate world.

WHO HAS MADE THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR SUCCESS?

My grandfather. He is the reason I started farming in the first place.

WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP DO YOU HAVE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURING FARMERS?

I am in a communal area and have a good relationship with my neighbours spanning many years.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR FINANCING?

I have not been financed and have always done things out of my pocket. People who would like to get financed must ensure that they have a good credit record. Maintaining a good credit record gives you a higher chance of getting loans.

WHAT ROLE HAS INPUT SUPPLIERS, SUCH AS SEED AND CHEMICAL COMPANIES, PLAYED IN YOUR BUSINESS?

I don’t really have a relationship with input suppliers because my operation is quite small. Our relationship is just over the counter.

IF THERE IS A SINGLE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

There are a lot of government-owned farms available in the Eastern Cape. The minister must prioritise communal farmers who have a proven record of farming and are doing well for land reform farms. On larger farms, she can place four or five farmers and subdivide the farms according to their capabilities.