Gallery: Local farmer pays it forward in tenfold
A local farmer from Hoedspruit decided to extend the hand of gratitude by giving to the less fortunate after having asked for help with farming supplies and received a positive feedback from the community.
A spirit of kindness and giving has seen Bennedicter Mhlongo (35) paying it forward tenfold.
As a former nurse, Mhlogo resigned from his job to start his own company with his wife. The company, Benica Fruits and Veggies, operates from Acornhoek.
“We have a fruit and vegetable shop which is located opposite the Acornhoek Library where we sell our quality produce from. We also supply to nearby communities, shops and street vendors alike,” Mhlongo stated.
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With over five years of experience in farming, Benica has a 10 hectare farm in Athurseat, far west of Acornhoek. He told Letaba Herald that he has faced a few challenges since he started his business venture.
“The challenges we face are a lot, but the major challenges are things like boreholes, fencing and the irrigation systems. We recently got a big donation from Richard Van Schalkwijk, owner of Imagine Africa Safaris, who donated fencing rolls with droppers and poles. This came after I took to the Hoedspruit Town Facebook page to ask people to help with some of the many challenges we face on the farm.”
Mhlogo attributed his love for farming and feeding the less fortunate to his grandmother who taught him how to farm from the age of five.
He told Herald that his dream is to adopt more than one orphanage homes and provide free lessons on farming to vulnerable children.
After having received the fencing from Richard, Mhlongo gave him 30 vegetable packs to donate to an orphanage or an old age home near him.
On Monday, Wisani Community Centre for disadvantaged or disabled people, shared the good news of having received vegetables from Mhlongo on the Hoedspruit Town Facebook page.
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The centre expressed their gratitude and encouraged Benica Fruits and Vegetable farm to continue providing to those in need. Ekhuruleni Orphanage Home has also reached out to him and he plans to donate to them too.
“This is what I love doing and I believe that so much more can be done through supporting and helping one another where need be. I am looking forward to a fruitful year of ensuring that there are less people going to bed on an empty stomach,” Mhlongo concluded.
See gallery below:
Photos supplied.
