Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
From 18 to 20 December 2023, the Potatoes SA team visited three remarkable projects in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. These projects are not just relevant to growing potatoes; they are also focussed on building communities, sharing knowledge, and paving the way to a brighter future.
Vuyani Kama, Ugie
The first farm visited is a Potatoes SA Enterprise Development Programme (EDP) success story and is now thriving as an independent commercial entity. The farm is located in Ugie in the Eastern Cape. Potatoes are cultivated on the farm and it also serves as a mentorship hub for aspiring producers in the region.
Its founder, Vuyani Kama, is a visionary in his own right. He offers guidance and support to fellow producers, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and collective growth. Should the farm receive proper support, it has the potential to grow potato seeds and supply the surrounding producers.
Family farming brings hope
Our next stop was a family-run farm in Ugie that is growing a variety of crops including potatoes under the guidance of Potatoes SA’s EDP. This farm, handed down through generations, embodies the enduring spirit of family farming. However, the farm is grappling with challenges in upgrading its infrastructure for effective crop processing. Potatoes SA has pledged to assist the farm in acquiring support in addition to the support they already receive from Potatoes SA.
The Mthatha fresh produce market brings hope amid these challenges. Set to open in 2024, this market promises a new avenue for producers to wash and sell their potatoes while creating jobs for the local community. This initiative will not just be advantageous to potato producers, but it will be focussed on building a thriving market that benefits everyone involved.
Moreover, the market’s emergence has profound implications for the potato industry, particularly in bolstering supply chains and fostering market inclusivity. With a burgeoning demand for potatoes anticipated, producers stand poised to capitalise on this opportunity, thus catalysing economic growth and social upliftment in the region.
A visit to KwaZulu-Natal
We also visited a farm in Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal that is leading the charge in potato production. With 80 ha planted to potatoes, this farm supplies top-quality produce to various markets.
Remarkably, the producer at the helm of this enterprise also occupies a pivotal role within Potatoes SA. Meshack Ndongeni serves on the Potatoes SA board of directors and is the chairperson of the Transformation Committee. This dual role underscores a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusivity and equity within the industry, ensuring that the dividends of agricultural success are shared equitably among all stakeholders.
Transformation is happening!
It is clear that change is underway in the South African potato industry. These farms are more than just places where crops grow; they are symbols of resilience, innovation and community spirit. The journey towards a transformed potato industry is ongoing, but with dedication and collaboration, we can sow the seeds of change and reap the rewards for generations to come. – Brian Makhele, transformation specialist, Potatoes SA
For more information, email Brian Makhele at brian@potatoes.co.za.