Young farmer making strides through R 350 grant

Limpopo farmer Victor Koena Hlahla who started his business with his R 350 unemployment grant in 2021 is now an employer to four people. The 26-year-old hails from Moletjie Ga-Hlahla in the Capricorn District.

Just like most black businesses which have to start from scratch, it has not been an easy journey. It took him four grants [R 1 400] to save and eventually buy what was required to start the business in his own backyard. It started on a 100 square meter piece of land.

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So far he produces spinach, Beetroot, Green paper, Butternut, Chilli and Onion. They supply retail stores such as Boxer and United Polokwane.

Speaking to Limpopo Chronicle, Hlahla has reflected on his journey as a farmer and says he aspires to create more jobs.

“We have more land but are struggling to find investors so that we can plant on other empty spaces. We get calls from stores who want the product but we can’t manage because we have a shortage of drip systems,” he says.

“I want to have my own farm and create more jobs. With many Agriculture students facing the challenges of being absorbed into training programs, I would love to help so that they can finish their degrees and diplomas with valuable practical experience,” he added.

YOUNG LIMPOPO FARMER UTILISE VICTOR KOENA HLAHLA UTILISES GOVERNMENT GRANT WISELY

He also spoke about how he was able to save the R 350 grant money to be able to start the business.

“To manage with the grant money I saved it up until it reached the amount I wanted so that I could start the business. I saved three or four grants then I started to buy everything I needed for the business. Even though it was not enough, as time went on I managed to buy what I needed.”

WORDS OF WISDOM

“My message to young people is to stop preaching and start working. Use that little money that you have to start something for yourself. Do not wait for relatives and friends to come to save you. Wake up and do something.

Even if you have people helping you now, you need to understand that people can get tired (they have responsibilities as well), which is why it is important for you to start something for yourself,” he said.

“Even if you start in your backyard garden or garage, baking fat cakes or scones, just do something. You will be surprised by the opportunities that will start opening just because you decided to take that first step. Also, young people, you need to empower yourselves with knowledge. If you want to start farming, first learn about it and know why you are doing it. Be passionate about what you do so that you don’t give up easily.

Victor Koena Hlahla can be contacted at 072 438 8110 or on his official Facebook business page: PK Farming