The Building Blocks Of A New Life: Little By Little Goes A Long Way

Eighteen years in jail for armed robbery taught Solomon Molefe one thing: Life is precious and short, and it should never be wasted.

- Izak Hofmeyr

While in jail he decided that he would not waste a single minute more and would dedicate his life to being a positive influence.

Today, some two years after his release, he and his brother, Daniel, farm on Rietlaagte between Phuthaditjhaba and Kestell in the Eastern Free State. Solomon manages the farm full-time, while Daniel lends a hand whenever he can.

Although at times a huge struggle, Solomon says he would not exchange this life for any other. These days he calls the farm Maanakoe, after the leopard symbol of the Batlokoa tribe of which he is a member. Their operation is called Batlokoa Farming.

“There were a few white farmers in jail with me. We became friends and talked a lot, especially about farming. They pointed out some valuable things to me, for example that it is counterproductive to keep a lot of male animals on the farm. Since the females produce offspring, you need to utilise all the available grazing to accommodate them instead of the males.

“They often added that crop farming is good, but it is very expensive to get started, so it is better to focus on livestock farming. It was with that in mind that I came to the farm after my release.”

Slow but steady steps

Solomon’s late father, Thapelo, bought the farm in the 1990s without any assistance from the government. This situation has not changed much, except for a R50 000 COVID-19 relief grant, for which Solomon is extremely grateful.