Sphosakhe Cele’s childhood was marked by significant challenges and losses. Losing his grandmother, Nomntwana Dlaba, in 2011 was a pivotal moment in his life as her death played a crucial role in leading him towards agriculture.
Dlaba was not only a significant figure in Cele’s life but also served as the breadwinner for the family. With her passing, there were great financial hardships at home.
“My grandmother’s death taught me the importance of maturity and independence,” Cele said.
Finding solace in farming
Cele began to plant vegetables for sustenance. His journey into agriculture started with a modest investment of R100 provided by his grandfather. With this initial capital, he decided to plant vegetables.
Starting small, Cele cultivated 50 cabbages and 50 spinach plants. Despite the limited scale of his initial venture, he managed to turn a profit of R1 800.
“Initially, I only farmed vegetables for sustenance, but after realising I could earn a profit, I decided to transition to business farming and continued to educate myself along the way.”
He now cultivates cabbages, beetroot, carrots, green peppers and potatoes on a one-hectare plot of land in Umzimkulu village of KwaZulu-Natal.
Tough life, tough choices
Cele recalls growing up in a home where his grandmother planted maize and some leafy greens in her garden. He would help with gardening, weeding and watering just like most children in their neighbourhood.
The passion for farming and the decision to take it seriously was cultivated during Cele’s time at the Democratic Republic of Congo Senior Secondary School.
Cele recounts a challenging childhood, marked by the loss of his mother at the age of six, an identity crisis, not knowing his father, and the subsequent death of his grandmother.
These hardships proved overwhelming, compelling him to drop out of high school during grade 11 due to financial constraints.
“I loved school and still do. But I had to do what I had to do to keep going. After my gogo died, life became very tough.”
Farming has helped this young man support himself and put food on the table.
Since 2018, he’s been running a business called Hard Journey Agri-Business, growing green peppers, potatoes, onions, beets, and carrots. Cele sells his products in Mathathane, Umzimkulu, New City, and eThembeni.
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Hope for greater chances
Cele finds not having a matriculation level of education to be a challenge. He mentions that some good opportunities need at least a matric certificate, and not having one makes it hard for him to make the most of those chances.
If given the opportunity, he would like to continue his studies, focusing on crop production. He also has plans to grow his business by adding livestock and cultivating various vegetables.
“Livestock in KwaZulu-Natal is a reliable business and having a consistent vegetable business is good for supermarket supply, though it’s hard for us small-scale farmers to be consistent in producing [on a large-scale.]”
Currently, his business doesn’t have essential tools like a disc, hoe, trailers, tractors, solid fences, and tanks. Although he inherited 20 hectares of land, putting up proper fencing is the most challenging obstacle, Cele shares.
He’s thankful to his late grandmother for leaving him the land, viewing it as his legacy, and he’s determined to make her proud.
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