In the next episode of our Farmer Mentor podcast series, we meet Kagiso Manuka, who manages over 200 hectares of sunflower fields in Limpopo. From starting small with maize in his backyard to running a thriving farm, Manuka’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and hard work.
At the age of 21, Kagiso Manuka already manages over 200 hectares of sunflower fields in Bela-Bela, Limpopo. He kick-started this venture with the money he earned from his construction and plumbing gigs. And it all began when he was just 11 years old.
He says, “I started small. I used to plant maize in my backyard for sustenance. After harvesting, we’d take it to the mill, and they’d put it in 80 kg bags for the household. That way, we didn’t need to buy maize from the market.”
With this early exposure to farming, Manuka has fond memories of his grandmother, who became his mentor.
“Each planting season, she’d tell me to put manure down, cow manure specifically. Then we’d plant seeds together. She’d do one half of the area, and I’d do the other. It became a tradition, and over time, it stuck. I fell in love with it.”
Manuka’s sunflower operation
Manuka plants a dryland sunflower cultivar. His team, composed mostly of young people, supplies Sunfoil. Today, although farming on a significantly larger scale, he still recalls those early farming days with his grandmother.
“She’d always say, ‘Don’t settle. Be resilient and passionate. Take care of the crops. Speak to them. Pour positive energy into the field, and the babies will grow.’”
I had to ask, “What do you say when you speak to your crops?”
Manuka chuckles. “I tell them to grow, to be healthy. I remind them that their growth benefits the community and my household.”
And what does he say when he talks to his crops?
Manuka chuckles quietly. “I tell them to grow strong and healthy. I remind them that their growth supports both my household and the community.”
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Challenges as a young farmer
The dynamic farmer recently expanded into poultry production, buying 100 chickens from a friend’s father and selling them at informal markets in Rustenburg, North West.
Being young in the farming industry is not always easy, Manuka shares. “When I tell people my age, they’re shocked. They ask a lot of questions. But the reaction is positive.”
Manuka recalls a tough moment when he almost gave up. University fees were crushing. He studied agricultural management at Nelson Mandela University, but the financial strain was too much. Although his parents tried to help, it wasn’t enough.
“Without fees, I couldn’t get my results or apply for bursaries. It was frustrating.”
Manuka found his breakthrough at Buhle Farmers Academy. “I switched to livestock production. I topped the class and won awards. That changed everything.”
Still, capital remained a challenge. “Farming needs money. That stress is heavy, especially for a young farmer. I was younger then, and it felt like the world was against me.”
Determined to fund his dreams, Manuka branched into construction. “I ran a construction company in Rustenburg. It helped me start my own poultry operation. Now I sell my own chickens. It’s a milestone,” he says proudly.
A positive outlook
When asked if he’s always this happy, Manuka laughs and responds: “Yeah, this is me all the time. When I get to share my story, I can’t help but feel joy. I want young people to know that anything is possible if you put in the work and meet the right people. You never know what door might open.”
Manuka credits his positivity to his upbringing in Venda, Limpopop.
Sometimes his high spirit is challenged by buyers trying to exploit him because he is young. Manuka says they assume he does not know pricing. “But I stand my ground. I know the value of my product. They expect an easy target, but I surprise them.”
The best advice this young farmer has received is: “Average is your enemy. Success is your responsibility.” It has become part of his culture.
With multiple ventures in agriculture, construction, and even a clothing brand, Manuka juggles it all with ease through thorough scheduling, delegating, and communication.
So, what is next?
“Go big. I’ve done small things. Now I’m trying to go big,” Manuka shares.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
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