Family farm expands its market after adjustments
Being resilient is the key to the success of the Ahitirheni Mqekwa Co-operative in Daniel Rababalela village outside Giyani.
The farm, started many years ago by James Mabunda, is now managed by his son, Adam, who has turned the family farm into a business creating jobs for villagers. The farm grows fruit, vegetables, and herbs and has been supporting and creating jobs in the village since it started all those years ago.
The farm has now expanded its business by adding more customers. They started to supply Spar in Giyani and are now delivering to MediClinic, MediClinic Limpopo Caterers, Buffalo Cove Spur in the Masingita Mall, Pick n Pay Giyani, Little Eden Nursery School in Tzaneen, MP Pharmacy in Mogwathi village and the Makarama shops.
Also read: Farming runs in Mabunda family’s blood
“Our new project is the installation of a solar system and the security thereof; we also want to expand the cultivation of crops and employ more permanent employees.” They sell okra, chilies, onions, green beans, dried mangoes, tomatoes, and dried moringa. They have made many adjustments in the last years, leading to big companies becoming customers.
“We hope we can expand even more,” says Adam. One of the biggest obstacles they overcame, was installing an irrigation system. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. We really struggled with irrigation for a long time, but now everything is improving,” he adds. The farm has won many awards in the past and has been instrumental in the transfer of skills to those interested in agriculture. They also donated and provides villagers from disadvantaged homes with vegetables.
