Emseni Farming has been honoured as the winner of the Agricultural and Agri-Processing category at the 2026 KZN Top Business Awards, recognising not only its excellence in agricultural production, but also its enduring commitment to people, community development and sustainable growth.
Emseni is in the fertile Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal near Kranskop. It has grown into a thriving agricultural enterprise producing avocados, peppers and dairy products for local and international markets.
Today, its operations span more than 300 hectares of avocado orchards, 14 hectares of advanced greenhouse pepper production, among other ventures, supplying quality products to consumers across South Africa and beyond.
Legacy of community upliftment
At the heart of Emseni’s story is a legacy of service. The company traces its roots to KwaSizabantu Mission, founded in 1970 by Reverend Erlo Stegen, whose life was dedicated to uplifting people and bringing hope to communities.
Recognising the potential of the region’s fertile soils, favourable climate and abundant water resources, Stegen established farming as a means of creating employment, supporting community initiatives and sustaining the mission’s work.
What began with a vision to serve others has grown into an operation that employs more than 750 people from surrounding rural communities.
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Yet the measure of Emseni Farming’s success extends far beyond its fields and packhouses. Proceeds from the farming operations help support KwaSizabantu Mission’s extensive outreach efforts, including providing three free nutritious meals daily to more than 1 200 people, distributing food and water to communities in need, and hosting thousands of visitors each year.
Community upliftment remains central to the company’s purpose. Through agricultural training programmes, seedling distribution initiatives and subsidised fruit tree projects, Emseni Farming equips individuals and families with the knowledge and resources needed to grow their own food and create sustainable livelihoods.
In 2026 alone, thousands of trees were made available to local communities and cooperatives, with support extending from school learners to emerging farmers.
This award is a celebration of a business built on faith, hard work and a genuine desire to serve others. As Emseni Farming looks to the future, it remains committed to growing not only exceptional produce, but also opportunities, hope and lasting impact throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
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