Mashishimane believes in his farming dream
“The name of my project is Afro Excellence Agricultural Cooperative. Currently I have two people that are part of the project and we are still open for more people to join us.”
Payneville farmer Mashishimane Phongole has always been passionate about agriculture.
After matric, Phongole could not meet the requirements of furthering his studies in agriculture, but that did not stop him from pursuing his dream.
“My passion for agriculture started at a very young age. At home, I used to have a backyard vegetable garden. I knew I have always wanted to be a farmer, but due to requirements needed for university, I couldn’t further study agriculture,” said Phongolo.
Despite this, Phongolo continued showing interest in agriculture and taught himself to make a living through farming.
“After matric, I was unemployed. We have an unemployment history in our country and it has always been a problem. I could not wait for my country to give me a job but decided I will make a living with my farming skills,” he said.
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Phongolo started selling spinach to his community.
“I launched my business last year during lockdown, since food was a major issue during the pandemic. It has been going exceptionally well and the business supports me and my family.
“I also planted cabbages, tomatoes and beetroot, but spinach has been my best-selling vegetable,” he said.
Phongolo said he has been facing challenges with his gardening, but he kept going because he believed in his dream.
“I need people who will help me to expand my garden and instal a proper irrigation system as I’m using a water pipe. I also need funds to buy a greenhouse,” Phongolo said.
He said these minor setbacks never drove him to stop doing what he believed in and, in fact, he started a project that will help with unemployment.
“The name of my project is Afro Excellence Agricultural Cooperative. I have two people who are part of the project, and we are still open to more people to join us.
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“The project is about creating employment for young people and transferring skills for people who want to learn agriculture. I am a registered agricultural cooperative,” he said.
His hopes and dreams are to have a bigger farm where he would be able to cultivate more crops and do livestock farming.
“I want to supply big retail shops. I wish the municipality could grant me bigger land or any good Samaritan, as my project is not only meant to benefit me but to create employment for other people,” said Phongolo.
You can find Phongolo at the corner of Phasha and Rarane streets in Payneville.
He may be contacted on 072 583 1291.
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