KwaDukuza sugar farmer passes on his expertise
The farmer promotes sugar farming amongst his community
KWADUKUZA sugar farmer Bhekuyise Elias Magwaza of Ngqobeni Farm, is using his agricultural knowledge and experience to change his community.
He has committed himself to mentoring emerging sugarcane farmers in his area with the aim of seeing more black farmers succeed.
Magwaza started out as a driver transporting workers on a farm, but his passion for agriculture landed him a supervisory position and he was promoted to assistant manager.
After 25 years of loyal service with hands-on experience, his employer motivated him to apply to Tongaat Hulett to acquire his own farm.
‘My application was successful, but I had no money to purchase resources to get the farm up and running.
‘I applied to Ithala Development Finance Corporation for funding and I was able to get my farm. Ithala also regularly checked up on my progress,’ says Magwaza.
Deep knowledge
Magwaza’s vast experience and deep understanding of agriculture has resulted in him being called upon to offer guidance and assistance to other farmers.
He says there are times when he spends more time helping others develop their farms than he does on his own farm, but he says his own employees work extremely well when he is not present.
He co-founded a co-op, Thwalumthwalo, which specialises in the harvesting and haulage of sugarcane.
He currently employs 15 permanent staff, including clerks, drivers and managers, and also has 60 seasonal workers.
‘We bought a van for the manager and created a centralised office for our staff members.
‘We divided the workload to maximise production.
‘I was appointed as the financial officer for Thwalumthwalo and I also oversee human resource management.
‘In addition to that I was assigned by the other co-op members to make regular site visits and assist with the sowing and harvesting process of the cane,’ he says.
Recognition
His efforts were recognised at this year’s prestigious Ithala Business Achievers Awards ceremony, where he walked away with the Agriculture Business of the Year award after beating seven other finalists.
Acting Group Chief Executive, Themba Mathe, sais Ithala aims to be a catalyst for economic development and empowerment.
‘As a committed responsible financial services provider, we offer financial and non-financial support to viable businesses to help them grow and advance,’ said Mathe.
‘Over the past three years, Ithala has loaned R878.6-million to nearly 700 businesses, creating more than 8 000 jobs.
‘Of these, 28% are women-owned businesses and young people comprise nearly 40% of those on Ithala’s loan book, which further reaffirms our commitment towards SMMEs and cooperative development, especially among the youth and women of this province.’
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