Unique mushroom supplier breaks barriers
Today the project stands out a shining, unique and inspirational example that shows that those who dare to dream can achieve their goals.
What started as a small family mushroom business at Doornkloof Farm in Magaliesburg has grown into the biggest black-owned mushroom business in South Africa.
It weekly produced 18 tons of mushrooms and supplies, among others, Pick n Pay locally and exports to Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.
The Tropical Mushroom Project employs scores of previously unemployed people who appreciate their employment as it has brought them life-changing benefits such as being able to provide for their families and sending their children to school.
“I was unemployed and unable to look after my family for about three years, but when I got a job at the Tropical Mushroom Project, my life changed,” said one of the female employees.
In 2005 the employee trust was formed and funded by the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (Daff) to buy 18 per cent of the shareholding. The project partners include the Gauteng Depart of Agriculture and Rural Development (Gdard), which facilitated the purchase of the Tropical Mushrooms Employees Trust (Test) from Absa in 2014 to increase their shares to 35 per cent at cost of R3,02 million. Additionally, Gdard Agricultural Economics also assisted with the expansion of the project by purchasing a high-speed, high-volume mushroom packaging machine.
The Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Lebogang Maile recently visited the Magaliesburg-based Tropical Mushroom Project and expressed satisfaction with its impressive progress.
Today the project stands out a shining, unique and inspirational example that shows that those who dare to dream can achieve their goals.
The project has also proved that whenever one starts a good initiative, showing great sacrifice and due diligence, one can attract support from both the private and public sector.
“The Tropical Mushroom Project is audited regularly and it meets local and international hygiene and food safety standards,” said project manager Mr Netshifhefhe.
The project started with six production rooms but has since expanded to 18, through bank loans, asset finance and lately the PnP Foundation. Employees do not have to worry about transport as they are ferried to and from home with a company staff bus.
“Mushrooms are of high nutritional value and we are running this business very professionally, catering for all markets.”
*About the writer: Emmanuel Koro is an environment and development journalist based in Johannesburg.
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