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 draw inspiration from my family. The support I get from my wife is just phenomenal. My siblings are forever present and the contribution by my uncle and Emmanuel Modau in the day-to-day running of the farm is just out of this world.

Lastly, all the glory to the good lord of Mount Zion who gave me the wisdom and strength to always focus on building and shaping our community.

WHAT IS YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST SUCCESS TO DATE?

Having built such a good flock of quality animals in a short space of time, as well as fetching good prices at my first Limpopo IVG Club production auction.

WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP DO YOU HAVE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURING FARMERS AND WHAT ROLE HAVE THEY PLAYED IN YOUR SUCCESS?

I’m in a communal setup and most of the villagers are supportive of what I do. I have a good relationship with other commercial farmers from whom I buy breeding stock, and they are always supportive and give a lot of advice.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR FINANCING?

I started this business using my own capital and it has continued to operate like that. When you follow your passion, funding is not something you focus on. Start, and funding will find you on the way.

WHAT ROLE HAVE INPUT SUPPLIERS, SUCH AS SEED AND CHEMICAL COMPANIES, PLAYED IN THE BUSINESS?

I do not have a lot of input suppliers because we use very little inputs.

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

I started very late to act on the passion I have for farming. I wish I had met Emmanuel Modau in the early stages of my life. It could have been an enabler of great things. I am also grateful that I keep on learning from my mistakes and push to do better.

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

I wish the minister would prioritise state farms to those farmers who have made a success of themselves on communal land. Another wish is for proper training, tailored for different farmers at different levels, to be rolled out.