Bronkhorstspruit - Owning a farm has been Gift Mafuleka's lifelong dream. Today, it became a reality when he was given a five-year lease for a portion of Leeuwfontein farm.
Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Affairs, Dr Joe Phaahla, brought Mafuleka's farming ambitions to life when he handed over the lease.
An emotional Mafuleka could not express his gratitude enough: "I am thankful to all those who made it possible for me to embark on this venture. I am determined that our efforts will have a positive influence on the local community."
A portion of Leeuw farm was acquired in November 2009 by government through its Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy. The owner agreed to sell 342 hectares to government. At that time, the farm was being leased by McCain Foods.
After acquiring the farm, the department initially appointed the young, emerging farmer as a caretaker.
McCain Foods has since purchased a 30-hectare centre for Mafuleka's project, which he will pay back in crops.
In addition to granting the lease, the Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs approved funding of over R1 million to cover essential overhead expenses.
Mafuleka has named his farming project Mphiwe Siyalima. He hopes to turn it into a successful, profitable and sustainable business. Having already employed 11 people and with the potential to create roughly 40 jobs during peak farming seasons, he is well on his way to achieving that.
Mafuleka, who has a B.Tech degree in Crop Production, was working at McCain Foods when he decided to apply for the farm lease.
A former director of McCain Foods, Tim Hedges, is Mafuleka's mentor. He visits the farm regularly to give him business advice.
"Mafuleka is an extremely knowledgeable young man with a great passion for what he does. I have no doubt that his enthusiasm and energy, together with the other support he is receiving, will allow him to develop all the skills required in order to make a success of this agricultural initiative," he said.
Mafuleka's efforts are already reaping fruits. The first crop of peas is flourishing and due to be harvested next month. Plans are also in the pipeline to plant cabbage, baby marrow and spinach for the local market and local vendors.
Minister Phaahla praised the venture: "We hope that the project will serve as a sustainable model for the future and enable more young historically disadvantaged people to follow their dreams of becoming commercial farmers."
He thanked McCain Foods and SamQuarz for their investment and commitment to make the project a success.
