Young farmer grows in stature through business confidence

A PROVIDENTIAL introduction to the South32 Hillside Aluminium Business Management course has given a Mtubatuba youth the opportunity to reach his dream of being an agricultural entrepreneur.

And Sphamandla Buthelezi is not just in it for himself; he has a burning ambition to help people to eat better, live healthier lives and contribute to the alleviation of poverty and hunger that negatively affects so many South Africans.

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Sphamandla’s childhood dream was to own a farm and work the land, a dream that none of his classmates really appreciated.

After completing matric, he enrolled for a diploma in farming management which ‘helped me a lot because I was given a chance to go and see what happens in the field’.

He spent two years on a farm as an intern, which confirmed his desire to be in the agricultural industry.

But he needed the extra motivational and business acumen boost that came when he saw the South32 course promoted by the Project Management Institute.

He applied and was successful.

‘The course is awesome because I now understand farming is a business that has many elements to it.

‘Before the course I thought everything stopped and started out in the field,’ says Sphamandla.

‘That’s only a part of it.

‘There are many factors to take into account to ensure that your top quality product reaches consumers and gives you good returns.

‘The Hillside course has helped me a lot in managing my business and keeping proper records. It has also shown me different techniques on how to approach and sell my product to the supermarkets.’

Sphamandla encourages others to apply for this course, even though it takes a lot of time and effort to study.

He says this course can take one’s business to the next level. Armed with an excellent attitude and work ethic, this emerging business entrepreneur says the sky is the limit for him and those who follow in his steps.

‘Entrepreneurship is the future economic driver of our country as it leads to high levels of job creation.’

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