TZANEEN – Letsitele farmer Ruan Burger has traded vegetable fields for the octagon as he takes on the challenge of kykNET’s popular mixed martial arts (MMA) reality series Moer ‘n Boer, proving that determination, discipline and community support can take a person far beyond their comfort zone.

Family first, farming forever

Burger told the Herald that his greatest pride lies in his family. He is the husband of Anri and father to Ruan, Janru and Nina. Alongside his family, farming remains the centre of his life.

“I’ve had a passion for farming for as long as I can remember,” he said. “What makes farming so special to me is being completely dependent on the Lord and having the privilege of being a steward of what He has entrusted to us.”

A passion planted early

Burger mainly farms vegetables, while also raising cattle and game.

His farming journey began at an early age, when he secretly tended a vegetable garden on the grounds of his boarding school.

After completing his studies and gaining work experience, he decided to farm full-time.

A dare that changed everything

His journey into MMA began unexpectedly.

“It all started around a braai and a few dares between friends,” Burger said.

Despite enjoying contact sports, he had never trained in combat sports before joining the programme. The reality of the challenge quickly set in after his first sparring session.

“My first reaction was that there was no place to hide in the octagon. After our first sparring session, we realised we still had a lot of work to do before we’d even be ready to fight at a primary school,” he explained.

Staying focused with help from home

Balancing the demands of farming with intensive training has not been easy. Staying injury-free and maintaining motivation have been among his biggest challenges, but he credits his family, friends and the Letsitele community for helping him stay focused.

His friends regularly meet to spar together, pushing one another to improve before sharing a well-earned drink afterwards.

Burger said one of the greatest rewards of participating in Moer ‘n Boer has been discovering that people are capable of much more than they often believe.

“The challenge taught me that we can always push ourselves further than we think. I’m doing this to become a better version of myself.”

More than just cage fighting

He hopes viewers will come to appreciate MMA as a disciplined martial art rather than simply cage fighting and encourages other farmers to consider entering the competition.

“The culture is incredible, you’ll make friends for life, and you’ll learn from some of the best coaches in the world.”

The goal remains the same

Looking beyond the competition, Burger plans to remain active while helping friends who hope to compete in future seasons. On the farm, however, his ambition remains unchanged. “My goal is simply to be the best farmer I can be.”

Moer ‘n Boer airs every Saturday at 20:00 on kykNET (Channel 144).