Young electrician turns to farming in Letsitele
Letsitele farmer Mighty Nghamuni turned unemployment into opportunity, building a small farm that produces vegetables, poultry and local jobs.
LIMPOPO – After struggling to find work as a qualified electrician, 28-year-old Mighty Nghamuni from Bonn village, outside Letsitele, turned to farming to earn a living.
Today, he runs a small farm in Ntsako village, employing three people. The farm produces chilies, cabbage, and butternut, and also sells chickens.
Nghamuni’s passion for poultry farming began in high school, when he helped his grandfather, Musumbhunuku Makumbila, care for chickens.
That experience sparked his interest in agriculture and showed him that it is possible to build a sustainable livelihood outside of formal employment.
Over time, he realised that poultry and crop farming complement each other, and he decided to combine the two.
“I started small by planting maize meal because it was the easiest crop to manage at the time.
“As I gained confidence, I expanded to cabbage, spinach, butternut, and chilies, which are in high demand in local markets,” he said.
He sells his produce to street vendors, fruit and vegetable retailers, and directly to residents in his village.
Through hands-on experience, he has learned the practical aspects of farming, marketing, and managing agricultural operations.
Nghamuni believes that greater youth involvement in agriculture could significantly boost the economy and reduce unemployment in rural areas.
“As older farmers retire, the younger generation must step in to continue food production.
“Without youth participation, countries risk food shortages and increased dependence on imports.
“Modern farming is no longer just about traditional ploughing; it includes smart irrigation systems, drones, mobile apps, and data analysis. Young people are more likely to adopt these technologies,” he said.
Nghamuni has also furthered his studies in education.
He enrolled for a postgraduate certificate in education at Unisa, majoring in electrical, mechanical, and civil technology as well as senior phase mathematics.
He is currently pursuing an honours in mathematics, also at Unisa.
For more information, email Bonntradingconsortium@gmail.com or call 078 198 8601.
