02/08/2024
Top Stories: 𝐌𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐢 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐱𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐊𝐚 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐞
Faced with the challenges of unemployment, Zimbili Mfusi, a 26-year-old from Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga, found her path to success in farming and entrepreneurship. A graduate with a Diploma in Public Relations from Springfield College in Durban, Mfusi struggled to secure a job in her field after graduating in 2020.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
With jobs scarce in South Africa, Mfusi decided to take control of her future by registering her farming business in 2021. "Because jobs are scarce in South Africa and I have never had an opportunity to work in the field that I studied for, I decided to register my farming business in 2021 so that I could earn an income and help create jobs," she said.
Establishing Mphezulu Farm
Mfusi's business, Mphezulu Farm, specializes in mixed farming, including vegetable production, livestock, grain, and poultry. Her farm produces a variety of vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, butternut, pumpkin, jam squash, potatoes, carrots, and beetroot. The business also has a food processing component that produces sauces and spices, which she sells to formal and informal markets, including SUPERSPAR Volksrust, local supermarkets, schools, clinics, and community members.
Inspired by Family
Mfusi’s passion for farming was ignited by watching her grandmother run her own farming business. In 2003, her mother purchased a 100-hectare farm for her, which she now uses to run her business. This family support laid the foundation for Mfusi's entrepreneurial journey.
Support and Growth
In 2023, Mphezulu Farm received a significant boost from the provincial Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs through the Masibuyele Esibayeni Programme. This support included 1,000 chickens and chicken feed, a substantial increase from the 200 chickens per cycle she previously managed. Established in 2011, the Masibuyele Esibayeni Programme aims to support livestock farmers in the province.
Job Creation and Community Impact
Mfusi's business has created five permanent jobs and employs additional temporary workers during peak production periods. Her success story is a testament to the potential of agriculture to address unemployment and contribute to economic development in the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality.
Mfusi's journey from struggling graduate to successful entrepreneur serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the transformative power of determination and innovation in the face of adversity.
For more inspiring stories and updates on local developments, stay tuned to our station.
Source: Volksrust Online Radio | Voice of Pixley FM
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