Bhefika Matshenja of Inhlakanipho Projects and Farms, winner of the Star of Buhle Award for 2019, says that by implementing sound management principles, such as reinvesting profits, he has been able to see his business grow.
Before venturing into farming, Bhefika Matshenja of Inhlakanipho Projects and Farms, near Soweto, worked as a carpenter. However, when he was retrenched, he decided it might be time to consider a career in farming.
“I was reluctant to farm at first, because I never got to see the glory in farming when I was growing up. My parents, who were farmers, never succeeded in becoming commercial farmers.
“They farmed vegetables and maize on a piece of land in Lufhereng in Doornkop, southwest of Johannesburg.
“They leased the land from the City of Johannesburg from 2001 to 2005, but due to lack of support they couldn’t grow their farming operation,” he says.
Matshenja decided to forge ahead regardless, and began his farming journey in 2006, when he became a middleman for buying and selling chickens. This allowed him to build his market, which served him well when he decided to expand his business.
Poultry was his first choice, says the 34-year-old Matshenja, because it is a product that offers relatively quick turnover. This is a bonus for someone who is just starting a business and needs to build up a healthy cash flow.
There is also a good market for chicken in South Africa, as it is the main source of animal protein for those in poorer communities.
He started out by buying layers and broilers, which he sold at the side of a main road in Soweto.
“I was so impressed with the profits I could make selling between 50 and 100 chickens a day, that I decided I had to expand. In 2009, I started doing market research on how I could grow and establish a formal business. I found out about Buhle Academy, and registered for the broiler production, farm management and environmental control courses. I graduated in 2010,’’ he says.
Fast Facts
Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly August 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra Farmer's Weekly August 2019-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
