Youth unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing the country. In response to this challenge, a 28-year-old Civility Mathebula has built a sustainable business in agriculture. She’s from the dusty streets of Joppie village, under N’wamitwa Traditional Authority outside Tzaneen.
The self-motivated young woman has made a big impact in her underprivileged community with an agricultural project called Makhangulo Farming Projects (Pty) Ltd.
“Farming has always been a dream of mine, more specifically a dream that I never really realised until Covid-19 hit and I had to quit my 9-5 job. For me, it was back to the drawing board.
“The dream resurfaced in 2021 when they announced about land and I did my applications and became successful. Luckily I made the applications on family land,” says Civility.
Civility was raised in a community where farming is considered to be for the older generations. Around the Village, there are gardens like Hleketani Community Garden and Baloyi farms among others. We all start somewhere, the journey of thousand miles begins with a single step.
“You see, farming is all about patience. I am a very patient woman and I’ve always been curious but my mother had always been my inspiration, she loves farming and made me fall in love too,” says Civility Mathebula.
The young farmer said she hopes to grow her farm to be in a position where she can supply Vegetable Markets, bigger retailers and employ more people. Currently, she works with 4 people who help around the farm.
LIKE ANY OTHER BUSINESS, FARMING HAS IT’S OWN CHALLENGES
“Funding, it is very difficult to get off the ground without proper funding, agriculture needs strong capital to make it,” Civility says.
ADVICE TO YOUTH WHO WANNA VENTURE INTO FARMING
“My advise will be to start small, it can be in the backyard or whatever space one may have, harvest and sell. You can use the profits to grown your business and expand.
“After all, it is all about hustling, ahi pfukeni hiti endlela. Help will find us on the way and never be afraid to ask for help, pride aside,” says Civility.
WHAT THE FARM IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON
“I am currently focusing on seasonal vegetables, of which at the moment I have tomatoes, mustard, spinach and chillies. The plan is to always have tomatoes, cabbage and chillies as they are part of our everyday lives.
“Feeding the nation is the goal and we should never forget the goal ☺️.” Concludes Civility Mathebula.
