Less than a decade ago, Lengau Mothiane had to rely on a lift to transport the 10 sheep he had bought at an auction back to the family farm more than 100km away. He now farms 150 South African Mutton Merino sheep and a herd of about 70 Bonsmara-Brahman cattle. The 35-year-old agripreneur also owns his own business and is providing contract work to at least 25 previously unemployed people.
“It’s a good feeling to know you’re helping to support so many families, especially at a time like this,” he says.
BORN INTO FARMING
Mothiane is a third-generation farmer, born and raised in QwaQwa in the Free State.
“I never lived in a township; I grew up knowing farming,” he says.
His father, Albert, used to grow vegetables at sites located at clinics and old-age homes in the QwaQwa region; this was also where Mothiane completed his primary and secondary schooling.
Around 2012, the family moved to their own 445ha farm in the Heilbron district. It was immediately apparent, however, that this was a different type of farm to what they were used to.
“My father looked at this dryland without irrigation and realised he wasn’t going to make it trying to farm vegetables. So he decided to opt for cattle.”
Mothiane qualified as a solar technician after school, but struggled to make a living in the early days of the renewables industry and returned to the farm.
In 2013, the family entrusted him with his sister’s lobola, which was to be used to fund her wedding in six months’ time.
This story is from the August 07, 2020 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 07, 2020 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ancient Chinese horses: how are they related to modern breeds?
Archaeology of ancient graves containing horse skulls points to China's indigenous Jinjiang as a genetically unique breed, says Dr Mac.
In it for the win and so much more
The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 7
It is one thing to have a good product, but we need to bring its outstanding features to the attention of the purchaser, writes Bill Kerr.
A comparison between Phase C and Phase D growth tests
Melville Ferreira and Freek Botes, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council's Animal Production Insititute in Armoedsvlakte, explain why performance testing is important for herd progress.
Changing the potential of your soil
By building soil carbon levels, farmers can improve the resilience of their crops, reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertiliser, and buffer their crops against extreme weather. Glenneis Kriel reports.
A smart farm springs up and empowers locals
An experimental 'smart farm' is taking root at the doorstep of Gauteng's only Big Five game reserve and could become a blueprint for other socially and environmentally conscious farms in the future, writes Tanya Faber.
Proactive care helps to improve longevity of cows
Glenneis Kriel reports on the recent South African Cow Longevity Conference, where it was said that food security was the major concern at the moment.
Fresh market sales remain stable despite inflation
Cost fluctuations are a concern, but the potato market stands firm, writes Glenneis Kriel.
Ear implants can backtrack diseased cattle
However hard it hits the cattle owner to learn that there is unsuspected disease in their herd, it is to their advantage to know of it as soon as possible to prevent its further spread, as well as taking measures to eradicate the trouble where possible.
SA's electricity crisis: a dim legacy
South Africa's electricity crisis is the result of a series of failures over the past 30 years, says Mark Swilling, distinguished professor of Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University.