Family of female farmers pay it forward

Women’s Month is a reminder of women’s resilient, tenacious, gracious and passionate characteristics.

Three women who reflect these characteristics are Mampe Mmeregi and her two daughters, Rendani Carlinsky and Ntshikwa Mevane, from the Temaretha Piggery in Nigel.

Mampe’s story is one of inspiration, encouragement and empowerment.

She was born in Wesselsbron in the Free State. In 1983, she moved to Katlehong, where she worked as the school administrator at Kwadukathole Comprehensive School for 23 years.

In 2009, a member of her community sought agricultural co-operative partners for a farm in Jameson Park, and because her husband had the skills and knowledge of farming, Mampe decided to join, and they moved to Nigel.
After only six months on their farm, her husband, Gerson, passed away.

“It was tough because I didn’t know much about farming, and the farm had no structures, equipment or tractors. It was only a house and land, but I had to make a living for me and my children,” Mampe said.

She told HERAUT she lives by the words of Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

Mampe decided to trust the strength the Lord blessed her with and her passion for farming, which she shared with her late husband, and turn it into a business.

“If you want to start a business, faith and passion will lead you to success,” she added.

Mampe started with five goats, one cow and five pigs and produced hay and vegetables with a vision to grow her business.

Her dedication and determination led her to where Temaretha Piggery is today, managed by her and her two daughters. Rendani manages the piggery, and Ntshikwa deals with procurement and takes care of the 160ha of land, planting maize.

“My mom taught me everything I know, and it is a privilege knowing we are building a legacy together,” said Ntshikwa.

“It wasn’t always easy, but farming is a passion. It is not just about making money, but you still need money to progress in business,” Mampe said.

In 2018, the Old Mutual Masisizane Fund, dedicated to providing enterprise development to small and medium enterprises in SA, gave Mampe the help she needed. Masisizane focuses on targeting funding towards black-owned businesses, women, youth, and people with disabilities.

This NPO funds small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to establish and grow their businesses, thereby reducing poverty, inequality, and unemployment. It accomplishes this through development, commercial financing and business support.

“With their help, we expanded and fulfilled my vision,” Mampe said.

Temaretha grew into a piggery of 4 000 swine. They also started the Temaretha Agriculture Training School to train potential farmers.

Between Mampe and her daughters, they provide mentorship to many students, teaching them about farming and how to start small to make a big difference later.

They also work in the community and reach out to those who need rehabilitation to return to society.

“Farming is for the nation. Sharing our knowledge and skills will empower others, and through empowerment, we can fight unemployment and poverty,” Mampe said.

“Working with family and for family, we build a generation for the future,” Rendani said, adding that they are a family of strong women. Mampe is the mother of five daughters and eight grandchildren, of which only one is a boy.

In 2019, Mampe won the top entrepreneur: commercial farmer category in the Gauteng Female Entrepreneur Awards. In 2013, she was the first runner-up in the Agri-Business Woman of the Year competition, beating her second runner-up position in 2011.

“I am proud of my achievements. However, I did not do it alone. I am proud of my daughters and am confident they will continue to build on the legacy,” said Mampe, who will celebrate her 65th birthday on August 28.

Mampe’s message to young entrepreneurs is: “Don’t expect profit immediately. Put in the work to reap the benefits later and never stop learning.”