Potatoes SA’s enterprise development programme is designed to equip new-era potato farmers with the resources and knowledge they need to sustainably establish and grow their farming operations. The programme aims to enable smallholder farmers to produce potatoes commercially while fostering long-term success in the sector.
The development programme provides phased financial support over four years, covering key areas such as pre-feasibility studies, seed costs, and mentorship from experienced farmers. As participants progress, they gradually assume more responsibility to expand their operations to at least 30 hectares.
Success stories in the Eastern Cape
In the rural village of Baziya, near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, cousins Mzimasi Jalisa and Siphe Joyi are leading agricultural innovation through their business, Jay Jay Farming.
Operating on 406 hectares, they dedicate seven hectares to potato production. Their produce serves both formal and informal markets, supplying hawkers and local stores in and around Mthatha.
Meshack Ndongeni, a commercial farmer and chairperson of Potatoes SA, praised the programme’s impact on farmers like Jalisa and Joyi.
“The money that is given to transformation farmers, it doesn’t go to waste. This is a showcase that it does good work. In this area, especially the Eastern Cape, there are not so many potato farmers. But in terms of population, we are in the top four as a province.
“So, we end up consuming potatoes from very far away provinces, which makes the price very expensive for consumers. If there is a little that can be produced locally like this, it also helps the consumer,” he said.
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Meanwhile in Ugie, under the Elundini Local Municipality, Vumile Mzizi co-manages Matuana Farm with his father through their private company, Matuna Agencies (Pty) Ltd. Since joining the Potatoes SA Enterprise Development Programme in 2022/2023, the farm has been steadily growing its potato production.
“We’re hoping to go up and up, step by step, making sure that we manage to take part in feeding the Eastern Cape and the country as well. We appreciate you considering us as part of the people that must benefit from this,” he said.
Mentor Vuyani Kama’s farming operations span two farms in Ugie – Mount Elton Farm Portion 4, which is family-owned, and Portion 3, leased by the Kama family. Kama began potato farming in the late 2000s with just under three hectares under rainfed conditions. His breakthrough came in 2010 when he joined the Potatoes SA Enterprise Development Programme.
With initial support to plant four hectares, Kama expanded to 33 hectares, earning recognition as an entry-level commercial farmer. Under the mentorship of commercial farmer Robert Farrington, he continues to refine his operations, despite the challenges posed by infrastructure limitations.
Reflecting on transformation
Farrington, an experienced commercial farmer and mentor, stressed the importance of defining and measuring agricultural transformation. He questioned whether the progress made in recent years has translated into meaningful change and urged stakeholders to clarify their vision for the future.
“Please explain, what is the direction for the whole committee on this word, transformation? Where was it 15 years ago? Because I’ve been around South Africa for many years, and I have heard exactly what we’re talking about now, how wonderful it will be. But where were we nine years ago? Where are we now? And where are we nine years from now?” he asked.
Farrington emphasised the need for measurable outcomes and sustainable practices, challenging the industry to ensure that transformation efforts go beyond numbers and make a lasting impact.
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