Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng. The Mphiwe Siyalima farming project was officially launched today when media and invited guests were given a tour of the project’s Leeuwfontein farm on the Rayton Road, near Bronkhorstspruit. This farming venture has been a year in the making and is the result of a successful collaboration between the Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs; a number of strategic partners – McCain Foods and SamQuarz; and a young man with a farming diploma and a great deal of passion and enthusiasm.
A portion of Leeuwfontein farm was acquired by the government in November 2009 as part of its Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy. Within six months the processes had been completed and the project known as Mphiwe Siyalima (“Together, we are farming”) had commenced. During this planning phase, a number of companies and individuals stepped forward to partner with the Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs to create a sustainable farming project that will uplift the surrounding communities.
SamQuarz (Pty) Ltd, Petmin Ltd and McCain Foods SA (Pty) Ltd have committed to supporting Gift Mafuleka in his dream of becoming a farmer. “Petmin’s partnership with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, and McCain – an internationally recognised and respected company and a leading frozen food brand in South Africa – represents an example of how businesses across sectors can co-operate in creating sustainable and commercially viable development projects,” said Lebo Mogotsi, Deputy Chairperson of Petmin.
Mafuleka, who grew up in the rural area of Ongoye in KwaZulu-Natal spent his high school years at Bhekuzulu College in Nongoma where he was a boarder. He proceeded to the Tshwane Institute of Technology, graduating with a B. Tech degree in Crop Production. He worked for McCain Foods before deciding to apply for the lease of Leeuwfontein.
The Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs initially appointed Mafuleka as caretaker, later granting him a five-year lease (with an option to renew for a further five years), on the farm. Says Mafuleka “I used to watch and help my grandfather when I was a young boy, and he inspired me to follow this career. I have always dreamed of having my own farm and this is the first step towards that reality. I am very thankful to all who have made it possible for me to embark on this venture, and I am determined that our efforts will have a positive influence on the local community. There will be increased job opportunities and the skills base of the people living here will be improved.”
The Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Dr Joe Phaahla, said he was delighted at the outcome and congratulated all the partners for collaborating on this venture. “We hope that the Mphiwe Siyalima project will serve as a sustainable model for the future and enable more young black people to follow their dreams of becoming farmers,” he said. “We are very grateful to all the project partners for committing to making this project a success.”
SamQuarz has invested approximately R1.3 million in farming equipment for the project and will continuously evaluate additional capital requirements over the next four years.
McCain Foods SA (Pty) Ltd has purchased a 30ha centre pivot (about R450 000) for the project and this will be paid for by off-setting the cost of the crops – peas in winter and sweetcorn in summer – that Mafuleka will deliver to McCain for processing at its Springs factory. This loan is being provided interest-free.
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform – in addition to granting the lease – has approved funding of over R1m to cover essential overhead expenses. Alexander Forbes has arranged for insurance at reduced rates as well as waiving all commissions.
Tim Hedges, a former director of McCain, is acting as Mafuleka’s mentor. He visits the farm regularly and provides financial and business advice. “Gift 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 he requires in order to make a success of this agricultural initiative,” said Hedges.
The first crop of peas is flourishing and due for harvesting in October 2010. Preparations are also being made to plant cabbage, baby marrows and spinach for the local market and for local vendors. Mafuleka has employed 11 members of staff, and the project has the potential to create approximately 40 employment opportunities during peak farming seasons. Mafuleka has also committed to passing on his skills to African Blessings, the local mission station.
Photographs available on request.
Gift Mafuleka
072 847 8402
mphiwe@siyalima.net
Tim Hedges
082 327 0166 or 011 706 6962
thedges@telkomsa.net
Leigh King,
Russell & Associates 011 880 3924
leighk@rair.co.za
Alexander Forbes is a leading provider of financial, risk and insurance and multi-manager investment solutions internationally. Although the company’s primary operations are based in South Africa and the United Kingdom, its customers include local and international organisations, specialist groups and individuals.
www.alexanderforbes.co.za
McCain Foods SA (Pty) Ltd is a leading supplier of frozen foods in South Africa and is represented on six continents. Today more than 20 000 employees work in 53 factories around the world.
www.mccain.co.za
Petmin Ltd is a multi-commodity mining and processing company and a market leader in the production of quality anthracite and silica. It has been listed on the JSE since 1986 and the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market since 2006.
www.petmin.co.za
SamQuarz (Pty) Ltd is a silica mine near Delmas and is one of Petmin’s two operating assets. The company has been in operation since 1955 and is the largest producer of high-quality silica in South Africa, meeting 35% of the country’s consumption.
www.samquarz.co.za
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform facilitates integrated development and social cohesion through participatory approaches and in partnership with all sectors of society. Under the Minister, Mr Gugile Nkwinti and the Deputy Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, the Department’s vision for the rural areas, implemented through the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme, is vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities.
www.ruraldevelopment.gov.za
© 2009 Petmin Limited