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October 2025
MPHO MUNYAI (44) IS ONE OF THE FINALISTS IN THE 2025 NEW ERA COMMERCIAL FARMER OF THE YEAR CATEGORY. THIS HUMBLE FARMER HAS AN IMPRESSIVE RÉSUMÉ, AS HE HELD VARIOUS TRANSFORMATION LEADERSHIP ROLES IN BIG COMPANIES SUCH AS SHELL, NEDBANK, PWC AND PUMA ENERGY. HE ALSO RECEIVED SEVERAL ACCOLADES IN THE BUSINESS WORLD, BUT BEING A SUCCESSFUL FARMER IS THE achievement HE IS THE PROUDEST OF.
His decision to leave the corporate world proves that the things you are passionate about keep calling you. After 15 years in the corporate world, Mpho says he now feels as if he is on holiday because he is doing what he loves. ‘It is really a fulfilling calling – I am at peace, content and hopeful about my future.’
Mpho is an example that grandparents often have an influence on the decisions their grandchildren make. He developed an interest in cattle production at a young age while looking after his late grandfather’s Afrikaner cattle. As a young boy, he also worked in the crop fields alongside his grandmother, who continues to play an important role in his farming activities. She is still one of Mpho’s role models, and he regularly taps into her wisdom.
Today Mpho, who farms at Vlakfontein near Magaliesburg and Syferbult in North West, is a recognised cattle farmer with two studs – the Vhanyai Boran Stud and the Vhanyai Droughtmaster Stud. In 2022, he received the national mentor of the year award at the 2022 ARC Beef Performers Awards, and in 2023, he was acknowledged as the national elite developing breeder of the year by South African Stud Book.
In 2021, he decided to include crop production as a way of diversifying his agricultural enterprise, as well as maximising the utilisation of land. He joined PGP in 2023 and attends the Ventersdorp Study Group, where he grabs any opportunity to increase his agricultural knowledge about crop production.
When he planted for the first time, he used a contractor, which caused a delay in the production cycle. After joining PGP, he realised the importance of owning your own equipment and invested in the future of his farming operation. He hopes to own his own harvester in the near future. He has achieved an average yield of 6,5 t/ha – a yield that compares well with his commercial neighbours.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE BECOMING A CROP FARMER?
Farming is a lifestyle, and you must know that you are never going to get what you want – so it keeps you humble. There are many challenges in farming, as you are gambling with the environment and you have no control over it. It is a leap of faith. Planning is important and you need to be disciplined. Keep your lands clean and free of weeds. I also learned that there is no instant gratification, as it is not a six-month project you work on, so you have to be very patient. To farm, you need faith, perseverance and tenacity.
WHAT HAS CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR GROWTH?
Knowledge is the cornerstone of my success. I don’t mind asking other farmers for advice, and wherever I travel, I try to learn from others. PGP is also a fantastic source of information – and the mentorship programme is a huge part of my journey.
A FINALIST’S THREE TOP TIPS FOR FELLOW FARMERS:
Farm: Vhanyai Ranch, Vlakfontein
Nearest town: Magaliesburg
Region: North West
Size: 1 400 ha
Type of farming operation: Mixed – plants maize and runs two studs (Boran and Droughtmaster cattle)
PGP'S CONTRIBUTION
Training courses completed:
Has completed several courses, including:
A mentor’s view:
Du Toit van der Westhuizen, regional development manager in North West, says Mpho is a dedicated farmer who is keen to learn and improve his agricultural practices. ‘He has shown excellent progress and is a real ambassador for development in South Africa. His main aim is to plant more hectares to contribute to the country’s food security.’
Publication: October 2025
Section: Pula/Imvula