AgriSETA Learner Connect: Meet an auctioneer

Ever wondered what happens at a livestock auction? It’s quite exciting and livestock auctioneers Athenkosi Denga and Soyama Mtongana (both 27), co-founders of Lizwe Meat in Peddie in the Eastern Cape, can run this business in their sleep.

Certified as livestock auctioneers on top of their business management and marketing qualifications, they have been successfully operating an agribusiness since 2011.

Denga liaises with sellers and buyers about upcoming auction dates and the kilogram price for livestock such as goats, sheep and cattle while Mtongana manages the front office. This includes making sure that the auction pen house operations run smoothly before, during and after an auction.

Mtongana believes that to succeed in this career you must be passionate and goal oriented. Denga believe the two most important traits are fairness and determination. “Fairness in the sense that all buyers and sellers are treated equally. Determination is required because it is not easy,” he says.

“It’s going to be hard, but hard doesn’t mean impossible,” Mtongana advises young South Africans. Denga echoes his sentiment, adding that “nothing in life that’s worth having comes easy, so define your vision and don’t stop until you get it”.

If this career or field of study interests you, simply follow their advice below to find out more about getting involved. Also check out the other careers to choose from on Food for Mzansi.

Okay, now it’s over to Athenkosi Denga (27) co-founder of Lizwe Meat in Peddie in the Eastern Cape:

Athenkosi Denga (27), director and co-founder at Lizwe Meat 

1Could you sum up your job for us? I liaise with sellers and buyers about upcoming auction dates and the weekly kilogram price for livestock such as goats, sheep and cattle..

2

What qualification do you need for this career? You need an auctioning certificate, but I also hold a Diploma, Bachelors Degree and Honours in business management.

3What are the character traits you need to be great at your job? There are several traits which I think are important, but I think the two most important traits are fairness and determination. Fairness in the sense that all buyers and sellers are treated equally. Determination is required because it is not easy.

4What subjects do I need to become an auctioneer? Mathematics.

5What do you love about agriculture as a space to work in? Agriculture isn’t just about farming, it has several career opportunities like plant sciences, technology and the food sector to name a few.

6Don’t be modest, tell us about your proudest career moments? The proudest moment so far was holding our first auction in the former Transkei.

7What do you do when you’re not at work? Most of the time I find myself reading about developments in agriculture and finance, because knowledge is power.

8Any advice for young people who are inspired by your career story here on AgriSETA Learner Connect? Nothing in life that’s worth having comes easy, so define your vision and don’t stop until you get it.

9Where can I study to become an auctioneer? The South African College for Auctioning.

Soyama Mtongana (27), director and co-founder at Lizwe Meat 

1Could you sum up your job for us? I direct activities in the front office, ensuring that the auction pen house operations run smoothly before, during and after an auction.

2So, what does the day-to-day of your job entail? Facilitating customer queries via telephone or email regarding upcoming auctions and other general enquiries.

3

What qualification do you need for this career? An auctioning certificate, but I also hold a Diploma and Bachelor of Technology degree in marketing.

4What are the character traits you need to be great at your job? There are several character traits. The most important ones I believe are passion and goal orientation.

5What do you love about agriculture as a space to work in? It affords me the ability to be closer to nature.

6Don’t be modest, tell us about your proudest career moments? When we held our first auction.

7What do you do when you’re not at work? I tend to go for walks and hikes.

8Any advice for young people who are inspired by your career story here on AgriSETA Learner Connect? It’s going to be hard, but hard doesn’t mean impossible.

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