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In the heart of Ward 15 in kwa-Khanyayo, under the jurisdiction of the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality, a remarkable story unfolds. Mthuthuzeli Twabu, a dynamic 31-year-old farmer and the founder of Thuthue Aims Business, has defied the odds to carve a path from humble beginnings to thriving in the world of animal and crop production.
Mthuthuzeli’s journey to agricultural entrepreneurship was unconventional. Armed with a business management background, he quickly realized that his true calling lay elsewhere. He decided to pursue his passion for farming, enrolling at the Buhle Farmer’s Academy in Mpumalanga, where he honed his skills in livestock production.
The seed of his business was planted with a simple but resourceful idea. Mthuthuzeli started by selling fried chips outside the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipal offices, gradually amassing funds for his agricultural ambitions. His determination led him to a position at KFC, where he saved twenty-four thousand rand, which he wisely invested in fencing six hectares of family-owned land.
His commitment didn’t end there. Mthuthuzeli secured vital support from the National Development Agency (NYDA), which enabled him to purchase essential feed and medication. However, his true strength lies in self-funding, a testament to his unwavering dedication to the farming venture.
Thuthue Aims Business stands as a beacon of success, supplying vegetables to street vendors, Ethiopian shops, and the Mabhekuteni Junior Secondary School. With a dedicated workforce comprising three full-time employees, including one male tending to livestock and two females specializing in vegetables and maize production, the business is creating opportunities and empowering the local community.
Mthuthuzeli’s agricultural portfolio is nothing short of impressive. He raises free-range chickens, pigs, and goats, alongside cultivating vegetables and maize on his plot. His astute approach extends to participating in a livestock Stokvel, which aids emerging farmers in purchasing bulk supplies—a critical support system for young agricultural entrepreneurs.
Nonetheless, Thuthue Aims Business is not without its fair share of challenges. Water scarcity looms as a significant obstacle, despite the presence of taps in kwa-Khanyayo. The community is permitted to fetch water only once a month, citing fuel shortages as the reason for the infrequent access. Mthuthuzeli’s persistent attempts to access municipal funding have been met with repeated disappointment, highlighting the need for more streamlined and accessible support mechanisms for budding farmers.
Mthuthuzeli’s vision goes beyond just farming; he aspires to create a foundation of solid infrastructure. His dream is to fully enclose his plots with sturdy fences, enabling him to farm without limitations. He firmly believes that such infrastructure will not only bolster his agricultural pursuits but also drive profitability and sustainability.
In the face of adversity and bureaucratic challenges, Mthuthuzeli Twabu continues to champion his passion for farming, demonstrating that with determination and innovative thinking, self-funding can pave the way for success. His story serves as an inspiration for young farmers, and his ambitions for a brighter, more accessible future for agriculture are a beacon of hope for all.
