Small-scale farmer urges youth to consider agriculture

CHAIRPERSON of the Hlokohloko Farmers Association, Ningizimi Nkalane, believes it is vital for the youth to consider farming as a career as it is ‘the backbone of life’.

Nkalane (60) of Emboza in uMhlabuyalingana, is a small-scale sugar cane farmer.

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He began farming his four hectares of land in 2006 after failing to secure employment.

‘Taking agriculture seriously was the right step. I managed to care for my family and raise my children.

‘Our association consists of 450 members.’

He said farming wiped away his tears of hardship after having to leave Emboza Combined Primary School in Grade 7 in 1978 because of illness.

‘This is my dream work. While growing up, I wanted to be nothing else but a farmer and have as many cattle as possible.

‘But after school I decided to join other local young men and went to work on a gold mine in Carltonville. After losing my job there, I returned home and spent years doing nothing.

‘I ended up going to Durban where I worked at the harbour.

‘I did not like that job though, because I was afraid of the ocean, but I had no choice because my family was starving. After a few years, I was retrenched and I returned home again and hit upon the idea that farming could be a business opportunity.

‘One of my old friends voluntarily helped me to start sugar cane farming.

‘I am now a man because I have a lot of cattle and goats.

‘I also have a contract with Tongaat Hullet, and I really want to encourage young people to explore the possibilities in the agricultural sector, especially sugar cane farming.

‘I am willing to give them all the information they may need to support them – for free. ‘There is still a huge demand for sugar.’