Award-winning Veggie Guy encourages youth to farm
The determined farmer has employed 20 people in his two projects. "I plan on increasing the farm and hiring 50 more people. This will help in job creation and make farming an option for the unemployed."
BURGERSFORT – The passion and love of farming has enabled a local young farmer to succeed in the ever-demanding industry.
Philip Kgapane (35) is running a vegetable farm in the mountainous area of Mafarafara Village.
Kgapane’s hard work has seen him being recognised all over Limpopo. He was among the big winners in the annual farming awards in the province. The awards were recently hosted by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Polokwane.
Kgapane, founder of Kgapane Nature Produce clinched the award for aspirant young farmer of the year. He told Steelburger/Lydenburg News that he learned farming when he was still a young boy.
“I have been in this industry for a long time. I am glad now that my hustle is bearing fruit. I urge all young farmers to work hard in achieving their goals. In farming, one never rests.”
Kgapane said the 30-hectare farm was owned by his father. “I grew up in a farming family, but we stopped in the ’90s. In 2008, I engaged one of my brothers and we restarted the project.
“Since then it has excelled. It’s very challenging to sustain this kind of project. I made sacrifices in my life to ensure this farm is sustainable.”
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He also owns a fruit and veggie store in Burgersfort where he sells some of his products.
“I stay on the farm. If I am not at the store, I am harvesting, ploughing or taking care of the goats on my farm.”
His farm supplies fresh fruit and veggies to local supermarkets, including SPAR, Boxer, Choppies and Pick n Pay. They also supply to hospitals, prisons and lodges, but specialise in cabbage, tomatoes, green peppers, spinach, butternut and potatoes.
The Veggie Guy, as Kgapane is known in Tubatse, scooped R100 000 and a certificate. The award was his second this year. He previously clinched R60 000 when he won the same award at the regional level in Sekhukhune.
The determined farmer has employed 20 people in his two projects. “I plan on increasing the farm and hiring 50 more people. This will help in job creation and make farming an option for the unemployed.”
In her address during the event ceremony, Limpopo MEC for agriculture, Nandi Ndalane, urged the youth to participate actively in farming. In her view, the youth’s contribution to agriculture will ensure food security, job creation and poverty eradication. She said it was inspiring to see youngsters who are dedicated to studying and practising agriculture in the province.
The event ran for the 14th year, recognising young farmers for their role in the agricultural sector. To find more about Kgapane’s products follow him on Facebook, The Veggie Guy.
