By Theodorah Waga Mawasha
KGAPANE-Matome Sewapa(34) is a small scale farmer, grower and crop producer from Mawa Block 8, outside Tzaneen. He is the sole owner and founder of Sewapa home garden, a commercial company he established in March 2021.
Tzaneen Voice spoke to the entrepreneur to find out how he started and how he is keeping afloat in these unprecedented times.
“I started in my own backyard in a small garden using hand gardening tools. I drew inspiration from my father and aunt who are traditional indigenous farmers. Because of the love I have for farming, I have grown from strength to strength and can only soar to great heights from this point “, he said.
The farmer prides himself in his work. He produces crops such as maize, spinach, potatoes, carrots and beetroot amongst other things. However, despite his business doing well, he admitted that he has had his fair share of challenges along the way.
“I have been through ups and downs to get this far. I am also of the belief that government cannot help every single one of us due to a limited budget, hence, I have learnt to stand on my own two feet even when I face challenges,” he shared.
“Finances, equipment and water supply have also been a big hindrance and a stumbling block to my growth. These challenges make it clear that more must be done to enhance the resilience of our food system “, Sewapa added.
The lad said that he has noticed that a lot of people have become depressed and despondent due to the high unemployment rate. He reiterated that this can be avoided if people become innovative and not wait for opportunities to come to them.
In conclusion, the farmer advised the youth to not rest on their laurels.He emphasized that they must start with the little they have. Furthermore, he encouraged unemployed young people to identify trailblazers in their communities and draw inspiration from them. To identify their strengths and start small wherever they are.
Sewapa stopped doing door to door deliveries due to high fuel costs, however, he sells fresh fruits and vegetables from a stall at Mankweng in the Capricorn District. His products can also be accessed from his home village of Mawa Block 8 Bolobedu.
