King William’s Town-based Nceba Jakavula is one of the latest emerging farmers to benefit from Sanlam subsidies.
Picture: SUPPLIED
Jakavula began farming in 2018 when he bought six chickens from his grandmother.
“I saw a need to sell free-range, organic eggs with a nest-to-mouth approach. That’s what differentiates me from my competitors,” said Jakavula.
While the journey has been difficult, he says there are still big opportunities for young people in the SA agricultural sector.
“In five to 10 years’ time, I’d like to see my farm have a turnover of R5m a year. I think farmers play a big role in our economy and could stand up together to fight poverty.”
Jakavula now has 145 chickens and says he wants to expand his farm in the next five years. He recently bought five pigs for his farm and wants to diversify his business.
Sanlam CSI manager Tersia Mdunge said their company is deeply committed to uplifting emerging farmers in the country and is committed to providing proper financial education to help farmers manage their businesses correctly.
“This is a critical part of the development and upliftment of the agricultural sector in South Africa on many levels from food security overcoming poverty,” Mdunge said.
Mdunge said they have managed to help more than 3,000 farmers so far but there is still much work to be done.
