Schoeman Boerdery’s Zamukele programme honours emerging farmers
The project identifies and supports farmers of small white beans by providing access to mentorship, seed, fertiliser, and local and international markets.
Schoeman Boerdery hosted their annual Day of Celebration on the farm Witklip, Delmas on September 6.
This day falls within their Zamukele programme, aimed at upcoming farmers who achieved outstanding results on their farms during the past year.
Zamukele, which means ‘adopt’ in Zulu, is a national Schoeman Group CSI initiative to empower emerging dry bean producers to become sustainable commercial farmers.
They established Zamukele in 2017, and according to the CEO of Schoeman Boerdery, Kallie Schoeman, the project identifies and supports farmers of small white beans by providing access to mentorship, seed, fertiliser, and local and international markets.
With Success Mdluli as programme director, the day’s events kicked off with inspirational speeches by the CEO of the Schoeman Group, Kallie Schoeman, Wandile Sihlobo the author of the book A Country of Two Agricultures and HS van der Linde, Schoeman Group CEO of the Bean Division.
Kallie Schoeman told the farmers they were unique and nobody could ‘just decide’ to become a farmer.
“You are born to be a farmer,” said Schoeman. “The fact is this is a multi-generational business. The next generation farmers learn the love for the land and their passion for agriculture from their mothers and fathers.”
Van der Linde said it was his third year of the Zamukele celebration. “I hope there is a lot more to come. Zamukele had some hurdles, but together we can overcome anything.
“Farming is not for the faint-hearted and requires all that man can think of to be successful. We, as Schoeman Boerdery, do everything to be a blessing for our community, our people and our country,” said Van der Linde.
He assured the farmers the day was all about them as farmers and partners. Sihlobo gave an insightful view on transformation, landowners, agriculture financing and infrastructure.
Some visitors were lucky to walk away with a signed copy of Sihlobo’s book. After marketing news from various strategic partners in the farming industry, it was time to honour the three up-and-coming farmers of 2023.
This year, three up-and-coming farmers, including one female farmer, were acknowledged for their success.
Female farmer, Athalia Lolwane walked away, with two winnings out of the four categories. The other winners were Organ Serema and Lazarus Phetoe.
