Varsity student uses monthly allowance to start agri business
A young Dutywa animal science student from the University of Fort Hare has used his monthly R1, 500 student aid allowance to start an agriculture business in his home town. Nkosinathi Makamela launched his venture in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when the country was still on a hard lockdown, and has already established a market for his business.
With plans to become a commercial farmer in the next five years if all goes well, Makamela has established a piggery and vegetable farm on 3ha of land in his rural vill age. Here he plants cabbage, carrots, beetroot, green peppers and spinach, which he sells to fruit and vegetable stores in Dutywa and neighbouring towns.
He said all he needed was an investment from the public and private sector to realise his dream of being a commercial farmer. The department of rural development and agrarian reform has played its part by supplying Makamela with seedlings.
“The company will greatly enhance the well-being of the community at large through the provision of nutritious food, creation of jobs and education and training. As we plan to provide learnerships and training programmes for the youth,” he said.
Makamela, who also owns a hawkers’ stand in Dutywa’s central business district where he sells vegetables, aims to increase bulk supply to shops and individuals who buy in bulk, such as street venders. The 22-year-old farmer describes himself as a team player and a focused and hardworking individual who pays very serious attention to his work.