Entrepreneurship is key to South Africa’s growth, with small businesses driving job creation and economic inclusion. Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s Enterprise Development Programme highlights the value of this support, helping local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to grow and become sustainable.
This is evident in their support of the Kruisfontein-based co-op, Siyavuma Piggery in the Eastern Cape. Established in 2011 and specialising in piggery production since 2018, Siyavuma aims to operate a sustainable 100-sow unit to produce piglets for the local meat market.
Their mission is to achieve both profitability and sustainability by following best practices in animal husbandry and environmental management, prioritising the responsible care of animals to ensure their welfare and productivity.
Growing the piggery into a profitable enterprise
Nonini Makhothe, economic development specialist at Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, said one of the key factors for the future growth of South Africa’s economy lies in the success of entrepreneurs.
“Through programmes like this, we assist SMMEs annually to become financially and operationally independent. By creating sustainable small businesses, we build stronger economic structures and help reduce unemployment, particularly in the Kouga Local Municipality,” Makhothe said.
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With Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm’s support since 2023, Siyavuma Piggery has already seen transformational changes. Key interventions include the construction of a fully operational farrowing house, the procurement and installation of specialised farrowing equipment, the development of a waste management dam, and skills training in areas such as financial management, business operations, and marketing.
For Siyavuma Piggery, the impact of this partnership is significant, to the point that the long-term goal of expanding into cattle and beef production is not merely a dream.
Marvin Witbooi, chairman of Siyavuma Piggery, said with the help of Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, they were able to build a farrowing house. “This will help us reduce our mortality rate by about 90%, which is life-changing for our business. Improving survival rates means better profitability and allows us to secure a sustainable future for our piggery.”
Uplifting the community
According to a statement by the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, as Siyavuma Piggery progresses toward its goals, it serves as an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Eastern Cape.
“Through initiatives like these, Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm is fostering economic resilience and community upliftment. Now in the third and final year of the programme (2025), the five co-op members comprising two men and three women will continue to benefit from further skills development, as well as business and financial management training.
“Additionally, the piggery provides temporary employment to three local community members, further extending its positive impact,” the statement noted.
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