Following the death of his father, Tshitise Reuben Mosiane took up the mantle of farming with a deep-seated determination to honour his family’s legacy. His journey, deeply intertwined with the support of Absa AgriBusiness, illustrates how a meaningful partnership can turn the darkest challenges into shining opportunities.
Mosiane, who was born in Lichtenburg in North West and later moved to Warden in the Free State, began his farming journey in 2006, shortly after his father’s passing.
“I’m basically a salesman, so to speak, and saw an opportunity in agriculture,” he recalls. “My grandfathers and my great-grandfathers never worked for anybody else; they just had the land and animals. So I believe I was born a farmer.”
Despite his passion and heritage, the early years were challenging. “It was a bad experience for about four or five years. I really struggled to find my feet,” Mosiane admits.
It was during this turbulent period that he met a local farmer who introduced him to Absa AgriBusiness.
“We struck up a relationship and he introduced me to some of the people at Absa,” he explains. This introduction proved pivotal, leading to a profit-sharing agreement that would become a cornerstone of his success.
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Empowering farmers with insights and support
Absa AgriBusiness’s commitment to supporting South African agriculture, particularly during such turbulent times, is embodied in the Spring edition of their AgriTrends report, released earlier this week.
As Mosiane experienced firsthand, the free quarterly AgriTrends report offers crucial insights into both local and global market trends. The report can be downloaded by simply clicking on this link.
“When I came to Warden, I had 58 cattle, and today I’m sitting at about 500,” Mosiane proudly shares. This growth was facilitated by the knowledge and support provided through Absa’s resources.
“I realised if I want to make money and a living, I should get more land and more animals. I could make a success in farming as much as I did in office automation. I believe Absa believes in me, and we will action those goals step by step,” he says.
The AgriTrends 2024 Spring Edition, launched at Nampo Cape, continues this legacy of support. By analysing the impact of prevailing local and global trends, Absa provides farmers and agribusinesses with valuable knowledge to build resilience and embrace growth opportunities.
The current season, plagued by severe weather conditions and high energy prices, has posed significant challenges for farmers. Yet, AgriTrends plays a vital role in helping agribusinesses navigate these difficulties. It gives them access to insights that can help them thrive amidst the challenges.
Mosiane’s transformation from a small-scale farmer to a significant player in the agricultural sector underscores the profound impact of Absa’s commitment.
Through their support, he has not only overcome early struggles but has also positioned himself for continued success, reflecting the resilience and growth that Absa AgriBusiness aims to foster across the industry.
- Click on this link to download the Absa AgriTrends report, which highlights South Africa’s agricultural export landscape and how the sector is adapting to global challenges. Ready to get smart AgriBusiness banking solutions? Click here.
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