Poultry farmer helps create jobs within her community
With no previous farming experience, Kwakwa began by producing eggs and broilers in her backyard using savings from her bursary allowance during her university days.
POLOKWANE – At 25, Ramokone Sannah Kwakwa, born and raised in Seshego Zone 1 and now residing in Mmotong, is climbing the ranks as a poultry farmer.
In October 2020, she launched her own poultry farm, The New Dawn Poultry Farm, in response to high unemployment and the need to contribute to food security.
“I was determined not to become part of the statistics of unemployed graduates; so I took the decision to start a poultry farm,” she said.
With no previous farming experience, Kwakwa began by producing eggs and broilers in her backyard using savings from her bursary allowance during her university days.
“Initially, I focused on broilers and later expanded to layers, with eggs becoming our main commodity. Currently, the business has grown and we are transitioning from a backyard operation to a fully developed farm in Moletjie,” she added.
Her farm now supplies resellers, households, bakeries, butcheries, and spaza shops.
She described the journey as challenging and rewarding, saying that resilience and strategic planning are key. Creating employment within the community was a primary goal, and her business now employs local people.
Kwakwa offers advice for those interested in entering the poultry industry: educate yourself about farming practices through formal education or learning from experienced farmers; start small to understand the business before scaling up; have a clear budget and financial plan; conduct market research to understand your target audience; and, most importantly, remain resilient.
“I think one thing that is a challenge when it comes to unemployment is the lack of practical skills. Formal education is important, however, there is a growing need for skills development programmes that align with market demands.
“Encouraging entrepreneurship and providing support for small business initiatives can also play a key role in addressing unemployment. Access to funding, mentorship, and business development resources can empower young people to create their own opportunities and contribute to the economy,” she concluded.
