A young farmer from Libode in the Nyandeni Local Municipality has become a shining example of success in rural agriculture after harvesting maize worth an estimated R3.9 million. Zuko Magadla, supported by the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), recently completed the harvest of 50 hectares of white maize and 70 hectares of yellow maize.
“This is not just a career, it’s a lifestyle,” said Magadla, reflecting on the demanding yet fulfilling harvesting season. “Harvesting is the most challenging part of the cycle, but it’s also the most exciting. It’s when you finally wrap the fruits of your labour.”
Magadla’s maize will be distributed to Ikhaya Milling in Ugie and OVK in Elliot, while a portion of the yellow maize will be sold through his own retail outlet, the Mthakatye Animal Feed Shop. Some of the harvest will also be processed at Mthakatye Milling into crushed and fine maize products for resale.
He credited ECRDA as a crucial partner in his journey, describing the agency as “the most stress-free institution I’ve worked with,” applauding their efficiency from application to funding disbursement.
Magadla’s success was made possible through ECRDA’s Rural Finance Programme, which helped finance key production inputs. Beyond agricultural gains, his farming venture has also had a meaningful socio-economic impact, employing 28 seasonal workers — 8 men and 20 women — during the harvesting period.
ECRDA continues to work closely with young farmers like Magadla, reinforcing its mission to transform rural livelihoods and strengthen agricultural value chains in the Eastern Cape.
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