“We encourage students to become doctors, lawyers or accountants but not farmers. Why is this?”
Very good question, and one that bothers the dynamic young farmer Keneilwe Raphesu, who herself once thought that she would become a big-shot economist. “Is it not a profession? Is it only suitable for a specific gender, is it not financially rewarding or is it for the uneducated? Hmmm…”
She has every right to ask the question, as she eventually followed her heart into mixed farming and has been giving it her all in North West ever since. She was even announced as the RPO/NERPO Emerging Farmer of the Year last week and said, “No amount of words can describe how I’m feeling right now. Grateful for the journey and support thus far. It can only be God. Grateful for my father for being by my side every step of the way. Every award I get; it’s because of his teachings.”
And if the prestigious award is not enough to convince you of her passion, these pictures definitely will.
People often ask me, “How did you make it thus far?” The answer is my dad. He is the reason behind my achievements. His endless shouting, support, love, teachings and advice led me to where I am today. Photos: Supplied/Keneilwe Raphesu 
My best friend with attitude gave birth to Charlie. He’s a Charolais. 
You’ll think humans are dramatic until you meet my squad. 
When one animal is sick it builds up anxiety because it can easily infect the rest of the herd. It’s important to manage and know your animals in order to realise if there’s anything wrong. It took me time and patience to build this bond. 
I love my cows and pigs but someone made me fall in love with these babies. 
Being clean is a rumour this side of town. 
Being a farmer has taught me so many things but most importantly how to be patient. Trust the process. Your time is coming. Just do the work and the results will handle themselves. 
Sunday with my squad. 
You learn more from failure than from success. Don’t let it stop you. Failure builds character. (Isn’t this just the perfect family photo?) 
New week. Extra blessings. Let’s farm. The world is your oyster be who you want to be without fail. 
A well-fed cow is a happy cow. 
Life is better when you’re a farmer. 
Before Bonsmara I used to have Brahmans with a Braford bull. Wild and unruly. They made me run daily; got kicked multiple times but they gave me quality weaners. 
When you start to do the things that you truly love, it wouldn’t matter whether it is Monday or Friday; you would be so excited to wake up each morning to work on your passions. 
These ones were misbehaving. I had to call a family meeting to reprimand them. 
Another successful day at the office. 
May God continue to walk with me on the journey called life.
Share your own farm photo story with Food For Mzansi. Send 10 to 20 photos, along with a few details like name, location, size and summary of your farming enterprise, to info@foodformzansi.co.za.
ALSO READ: Photo story: Ndela Farming is a produce powerhouse
Get Stories of Change: Inspirational stories from the people that feed Mzansi.
