Meshack Ndongeni was awarded the accolade at a prize-giving gala event in Johannesburg on Thursday (21/11). He farms with maize, soybeans, wheat, potatoes, cabbage, and livestock at Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal.

The panel of judges hailed Ndongeni an exceptional manager and leader. “His passion for farming is contagious, with his children enthusiastically following in his footsteps,” said convener Prof. Carlu van der Westhuizen of the Central University of Technology, Free State.

Ndongeni is a board member of Potato SA, chairperson of Potato SA’s Transformation Committee and has been awarded the Potato SA Emerging Farmer of the Year award in 2023. “He is an active member of his local farmers’ association, and maintains good relationships with other commercial farmers, both in his surrounding farming area and also at a commodity level,” said Van der Westhuizen.

Meshack Ndongeni in his potato packhouse. Photo supplied

His farming practices conserve nature and in his crop rotation plan, he also plants cover crops to preserve moisture and prevent soil erosion, while accommodating his livestock’s fodder flow programme. “Meshack values and upskills his employees and the farm office is organised with two permanent office staff, farm supervisors, junior managers, a fire warden and security personnel,” said Van der Westhuizen.

“What I’ve made sure is that I take care of my workers and because they are the most valuable asset in the business, they have good houses, COIDA, UIF, everything that is supposed to be done to take care of workers,” explained Ndongeni, speaking to OFM Agri after receiving his reward.

Ndongeni’s two farms are operated as a single unit, with excellent resources and adequate diversification, with maize, soybeans, cabbage and potatoes produced under centre pivot irrigation, as well as sheep and cattle operations. “He makes use of precision agriculture, operates his own potato packing shed and is extremely well equipped or mechanised with the latest top-class tractors, implements and machinery,” said Van der Westhuizen.

Meshack Ndongeni farms near Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal. Photo supplied

“I make sure that I account for every cent and I properly manage implements to make sure that they stay in good condition,” added Ndongeni.

His plans for the business include value-adding by erecting a processing plant. “I would wish to do bird maize, crushed maize, a little bit of yellow mealie meal as well. And also, be in the market in terms of potatoes all year round. Currently, I’m in the market for only seven months.”

Ndongeni supports the local community, mentors emerging farmers and organises short courses. He is also involved with contract work in communities on government land, assisting small-scale farmers to cultivate their fields, and plant and harvest their crops.

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“For me, it is to go back and see more innovative ways, to do more and also to work harder. This is the challenge, to say there is a recognition of ‘I'm doing something’. So I must make sure that I work hard so that those who have nominated me and those who have seen some excellence in me, they see even better in the near future.”

His message to those considering a career in agriculture, is that you only need to have a ‘drive’. “I started with leased land, which was 15 years ago. You just have to start, stop complaining; just start. Respect people who know; ask commercial farmers – they will help you.”

OFM Agri/Elzette Boucher-Krüger cg