Family farm creates employment opportunities
The Mametja family in Trichardstdal, Maruleng has taken if upon itself to produce food and create employment opportunities for the local communities.
The family which has been involved in vegetable production at their backyard premises on land owned by the Makhutshwe Communal Property Association (CPA) since 1994, acquired a 287 hectares farm in 2013 through the Department of Rural Development ‘s Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy ( PLAS) program.
The farm called, Maswele is managed by Tshepiso Mametja, assisted by her mother Constance and mentored by her father, Rex who is the 1992 AgriLetaba Emerging Farmer of the Year.
The farm employs 75 people who are involved fruit and vegetable production, looking after livestock which include 23 heard of cattle, 322 goats and more than 246 sheep.
The Department of Agriculture’s extension officer for the area, John Mthembi said soon after the land was acquired, the family embarked on production activities in order to achieve their main objective, being food production and job creation.
All resources including skills were mobilised to get the farm fully functional and commercial in all respect.
He said to improve the productivity of the orchards which has so dropped due to a period of neglect, mango trees have been pruned and grafted .While on the livestock industry, camps were demarcated to allow proper grazing management practises.
Despite the recent severe and crippling drought, the Mametjas have managed to cultivate 15 hectares of maize.
Mthembi said Maswele farm proved that land acquisition could indeed improve local people’s lives through job creation. “With commitment of all stakeholders and role players, much could be achieved,” said Mathembi.
Mametja said after acquiring the farm, the family needed no introduction into food production activities and job creation to local people to alleviate poverty in the area
“I am committed to change perceptions that progressive and commercial farming for that matter is not for formally disadvantaged communities. It only needs necessary support and commitment,’ said Mametja.
One of the challenges faced by the family which is the lack of water for irrigation as there is only one borehole.
Mametja said they sell their produce to the local community and also send to the market.”If we can get assistance from financial and agricultural institutions we can be able to create more jobs. Our aim is to employ as many people as possible and increase production,” explained Mametja.
