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September 2025
HLALELI JOSEPH KHLALELI (52) WAS HONOURED TO BE NOMINATED FOR THE NEW ERA COMMERCIAL CATEGORY IN THIS YEAR’S FARMER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION. HE GREW UP ON WINNIEFRED FARM IN THE PHUMELELA DISTRICT NEAR THE LESOTHO BORDER, WHERE HIS FATHER, BUTI SAMUEL KHLALELI, WAS A FARM WORKER. THIS INSPIRED HIM TO BECOME A FARMER.
After completing his school education, he qualified and worked as a financial consultant (broker) while dreaming of one day owning his own farm. This dream was realised when the farm Zandfontein in the Nketoana Municipal District, between Bethlehem and Lindley, became his property. Joseph still operates as an independent financial consultant too.
Zandfontein is operated as a business entity under the name Tau Itsheeletsie – a name which means ‘This lion is going to farm now’. In 2006, Joseph appointed Buti as farm manager at Zandfontein. He learned a lot working side by side with his dad, who had the same goal of contributing to food security, especially in their community. Sadly, Buti passed away in 2022, and Joseph had to employ a new right-hand. Apart from maize, they produce sunflower and sugar beans and have a healthy Bonsmara cattle herd.
Joseph belongs to the Kaallaagte Farmers’ Association and was chosen as the chairperson in 2020. ‘We meet to discuss ideas and share advice on improving our farming practices. In 2021, we hosted our first commercial farmers’ auction, and in May this year, we hosted a livestock auction in partnership with BKB,’ he shares.
The ‘lion’ is so determined to grow as a farmer and reach his goals that he used the profit he made the previous season to purchase an adjacent piece of land, growing his farm to 343 ha. He also leases an additional 168 ha. He is eager to incorporate new technological methods into his farming operation to improve the agricultural productivity, efficiency and resilience.
Joseph is married to Elizabeth and they have three children. His eldest daughter and son have both shown a keen interest in the farm. ‘It would be an honour to see a third generation cultivate the soil on Zandfontein,’ says the kind-hearted ‘lion’.
A NOMINEE’S TOP TIPS FOR FELLOW FARMERS:
WHO HAS BEEN A BIG HELP IN YOUR DEVELOPMENT AS A FARMER?
Apart from my father, commercial farmers in the area and Grain SA (PGP). In the earlier years, my neighbour, Dirk van Rensburg, would intervene when he saw me applying incorrect agricultural practices. I learned a lot from him. Jacques Roux has been my mentor since 2020, and his hands-on advice and friendship have really benefitted my farming operation.
WHY DO YOU FARM?
My greatest desire is to contribute to food security, expand my farming enterprise and create more job opportunities in the area. I currently employ 22 seasonal workers, but I would like to create more jobs to help reduce hunger in our community.
Farm: Zandfontein
Nearest town: Bethlehem/Lindley
Region: Eastern Free State
Size: 343 ha (plants 200 ha and leases additional land too)
Type of farming operation: Mixed – crops (plants maize, sunflower and sugar beans in a crop rotation system) and livestock (Bonsmara cattle)
PGP'S CONTRIBUTION
Training courses completed:
Has completed several courses, including:
A mentor’s view:
Jacques Roux, regional development manager in PGP’s Free State office, says Joseph is a hands-on farmer who is keen to learn any new agricultural practices to improve his farming skills. ‘He has shown tremendous progress in the past few years. If there is an opportunity to improve his agricultural knowledge, he is there. He follows the advice we give and is truly passionate about food security.’
Publication: September 2025
Section: Pula/Imvula