Food For Mzansi is celebrating five years since its inception. The publication has touched the hearts and souls of many farmers, from backyard to commercial, from Musina to Atlantis. Young and old farmers have lauded the impact Food For Mzansi has had on their personal growth and their operations.
Livestock farmer from North West Mmadipilo Letlape said she would want to see the publication continue giving small-scale farmers a platform to shine, as that is what they need for them to grow in the tough agricultural sector.
“Through Food For Mzansi, I have learnt how to change the way I used to farm and make it beneficial to me and consumers. I have found ways to expand my business and how I see myself in the next coming years. I now know how to face the challenges that come with farming through the articles I see on FFM.
“Food For Mzansi has highlighted a lot about food security and how young farmers are the future of agriculture. FFM encourages farmers to be the best that they can be,” she said.
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The exposure did wonders
Agro-processor from Gauteng Gontse Selaocoe said the exposure he received from Food For Mzansi was extremely big and changed the landscape of his operations
“Food For Mzansi is a platform that has access to all primary farmers and secondary farmers. In addition, you guys can make us connect with other farmers from different areas.
“I would like to see more exhibition sessions, educational sessions, or even a camp for us to gather. We need to learn from each other and learn about everyone’s projects,” he said.
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A source of inspiration
Commercial crop farmer in Free State Phaladi Matsole said Food For Mzansi changed his life and way of doing things after reading many stories of success and how other people in different parts of the country are doing things.
“The greatest highlight was when I was called by one Free State head of the department in the morning after reading my agro-processing business article. I was overwhelmed and realised how powerful is media in exposing business and production.
“My message to FFM is: keep up the good five years’ work of exposing how ordinary farmers are making something out of nothing, how climate change and load shedding challenges can no longer defeat farmers in ensuring food security,” he said.
Maumela Lutendo, a macadamia farmer in Limpopo, said Food For Mzansi had inspired her through reading and learning about other farmers and how they are growing in farming industry.
“Food For Mzansi must not just mention inspiring stories but rather help struggling farmers, women in farming with funders, and fellow rural areas farmers who needs real help,” she said.
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Portia Moshoeu who owns Leseani Farming in Gauteng, thanks Food for Mzansi for giving her confidence to believe in herself and in the success of her products.
“Food For Mzansi has made me think out of the box and to start marketing my product with pride. We get so much exposure to the public and it helps to think deeply about what we are really doing as emerging farmers.
“Thank you so much, Food For Mzansi, for believing in us as black farmers and for all the support and exposure that we didn’t have. I can now openly and freely advertise and market my product, knowing that people take us seriously,” she said.
Dineo Mphahlele, a crop farmer from Gauteng, said as a young farmer Food For Mzansi opened her eyes on how to better farm.
“Wow, happy birthday to Food For Mzansi! It has indeed helped some of us to develop skills that we were not aware of. I started to plant vegetables for the first time after reading and listening to content from Food For Mzansi.
“The greatest highlight for me was being part of the Gather To Grow sessions where experts come and share valuable information that has shaped my farming experience,” she said.
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Gather To Grow proves popular
Reggie Kambule, crop farmer from the Free State, said his greatest highlight with Food For Mzansi was the consciousness the publication give to the action on food security, the role of farmers and the eradication of poverty.
“The birthday message is that food security is everyone’s business and FFM must continue to highlight and profile people who make a dent towards food security, whether they be small-scale or big commercial farmers.
“All of us we must have our hands on deck to ensure food security for the future generations when we are all long and gone as those who came earlier done for us,” he said.
Giel Wilson, a crop farmer from Hartswater in the Northern Cape, said he is thankful for the publication going out of its way to ensure that farmer’s rights and voices were being heard.
Rabelani Nemamilwe, a crop farmer in North West, said farmers across the country have found voice through the publication following a 48-hour load shedding that led to his crops dying and the story was published on Food For Mzansi which led to much recognition.
“For my story to be published on your platform, at least people know what is going on, that was my biggest highlight with Food For Mzansi.
“I think farming is underrated in this country and Food For Mzansi has brought in light to all farmers who necessarily would have not been covered by mainstream media,” he said.
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Here’s to growth and prosperity!
A farmer and organised agriculture leader Sehularo Sehularo said he wishes Food For Mzansi many years of prosperity and growth.
“We as Saamtrek Saamwerk want to thank the publication for their hard work to reach farmers in all corners of the country, their initiatives are great, especially for poorly resourced farmers. May the publication continue speaking the truth and saying things as they are, and may it continue to offer great platforms to farmers of all races.”
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