Speaking to the Herald on her three-hectare farm, Verna Kgatla of Vernalira Farming said prior to starting her farming business she was depressed due to rejection after rejection as she tried to get a job.
“I eventually lost hope and gave up, and my father who was a farmer but due to old age had stopped as he was frail and could not work the land efficiently anymore, suggested that I should start farming on this piece of land.” I accepted the suggestion as I have never been one to shy away from hard work or getting my hands dirty.”
She said she sought to make the business work regardless of having little to no resources such as a tractor to assist in ploughing and had to do it manually. “I then applied for funding at NYDA and was granted R100 000 which went a long way in assisting us to expand our produce and equipment to assist.”
She currently employs seven people on the farm. Kgatla said she loved being in charge and working for herself. “I supply local businesses and various shops in town such as Food Lovers’ Market and Spar. I also supply the Joburg Fresh Produce Market and want these products to be the pride of our district.”
She said the youth is not eager to do jobs such as farming and prefers a corporate life.
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“Most of them are sitting at home and despite having some arable land in their backyards which they could start planting fresh produce of their choice and gain an income, the conventional way of thinking hampers them from taking initiative and they would rather chase employment which is now scarce. We have so many people looking for employment and the reality is that not all will be employed, some will have to start something and then employ others in their own businesses which will also improve the local economy.”
“I do not see myself applying for a job anymore, I would rather work the land myself and create employment for the youth in this area and teach them to farm.”
She said that her farm currently produces tomatoes, carrots, green peppers, watermelons and other vegetables and fruit as they come in season. Kgatla said as demand grows she would like to expand and even acquire extra land if need be.
She advised the youth to think outside the box, “do not put all your eggs in one basket, try out different things, we all have to start somewhere, even in your backyard and you can apply for funding just like I did. Getting dirty is nothing, financial freedom starts with you. I encourage young people to start farming, even on the smallest piece of land.”
