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July 2025
FOR MANDLA ENOS NKOSI (53), BECOMING A FARMER WAS A SLOW PROCESS. THIS 2024 SMALLHOLDER FARMER OF THE YEAR FINALIST STARTED DREAMING OF BECOMING A FARMER WHEN HE WAS STILL A YOUNG BOY. WHEN HIS DREAM EVENTUALLY BECAME A REALITY, HE STARTED GROWING HIS FARM GRADUALLY, ONE STEP AT A TIME.
Mandla’s passion for farming was ignited as a young boy, helping the adults tend to the livestock at Langgewacht farm, where he was raised. He even helped with the fencing and other duties. After school, he started working on the farm, driving tractors, planting and learning more about the farming business. Mandla was the supervisor on the farm until he left the Nkululeko community farm.
In 1994, he opened a tuck shop. As the profits grew and his income increased, he was able to buy a Combi to transport children to school and make deliveries when someone needed transport. In 2014, Mandla got a transport contract from Tindal Mine to transport coal, which was the breakthrough he needed to bring him one step closer to his dream.
He purchased a tractor, which he used to plough for other farmers. He invested the money into his dream and bought farming equipment with his profits. When he decided to start planting, he didn’t rush the process but grew gradually – from 1 ha until he eventually reached the 50 ha bracket. Every time he was successful, he would aim a bit higher – and the profit he made was invested into the farm.
Although he would love to own his own land one day, he keeps his eyes and ears open to find more land to grow his farming business. His farming dream is to remain productive and provide for his family and the community. ‘I want to keep on growing every year and to keep on being a positive farmer, who is helping to ensure food security.’
This dedicated farmer proves that a dream doesn’t become a reality through magic – it takes sweat, determination and hard work.
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU BECOME SUCCESSFUL?
By watching and asking. I have never been afraid to ask for advice, and I look at what other farmers (including commercial farmers) are doing and learn from them. I also formed a strong relationship with a fellow farmer who offered a lot of advice. I am also extremely grateful for PGP’s input, training and mentorship.
HOW DO YOU KEEP GOING WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH?
It’s just in my blood. As a Zulu man, you just feel it in your blood once summer arrives
– summer means it is time to plant. I am also motivated by the neighbouring farmers. If they can get up after drought or hail damage and plant again, I have to as well. We need to plant because people need to eat.
HOW CAN WE MOTIVATE THE YOUTH TO BECOME INTERESTED IN FARMING?
We should invite them to come and look at what happens on a farm. I want to show them that hard work is rewarded. Get them involved and give them some responsibility on the farm. This will help them see whether they have a love for farming, or it will totally put them off farming. They first have to ‘do farming’ before they can begin farming.
A FINALIST’S THREE TIPS FOR FELLOW FARMERS:
Farm: Nkululeko Farm, communal land
Nearest town: Piet Retief
Region: Mpumalanga
Type of farming operation: Mixed – plants soybeans and maize, and owns cattle, goats and chickens
PGP'S CONTRIBUTION
Training courses completed:
A mentor’s view:
According to Timon Filter, mentor and trainer at the Louwsburg regional office, Mandla’s commitment has helped him become a successful farmer. ‘He knows how to plant and look after his crop and land, which makes him successful. His contentment defines his success for me. He really wants his own land one day, but for now, he knows that his farming operation is helping his family and community.’
Publication: July 2025
Section: Pula/Imvula
