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Farming dream realized after 50 years

Samson Mahlaba (73) worked as a farm labourer for 50 years before realising his dream of becoming a commercial farmer five years ago.

Mahlaba was a child when he first started working as a labourer on the 300-hectare Hoekieplaas farm in Reitz in the Free State. He never went to school and grew up with his brothers, as his parents passed away when he was six.

Even though he has no formal agriculture training, Mahlaba knew that if he had a farm of his own, his experience would ensure his success.

New fund to assist black farmers

Black farmers who have historically been unable to access financing to grow their operations are being given a helping hand.

Government has set aside R1 billion to help black farmers become commercial farmers.

The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), launched the Agri-Industrial Fund recently.

The fund, which is part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic stimulus package for small-scale farmers, is being financed by DALRRD and run by the IDC.

Spend money locally to grow the economy

Where you choose to buy goods or find services can impact not only your local economy, but the country’s financial wellbeing too.

Proudly South African (SA) is urging the nation to support local small businesses as the country’s economic recovery is dependent on the small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) sector.

This was a repeated call during this year’s Proudly SA Buy Local Summit & Expo, which was recently held virtually.

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