An Aquaponics farm in the middle of eKasi may be a concept that is unconventional to many. But, nonetheless, one such farm does exist right in the heart of Tembisa in the East Rand of Gauteng.
In this week’s podcast episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Food For Mzansi editor Dawn Noemdoe and co-founder Kobus Louwrens speak to Mosesi Mosesi, owner and founder of New Liff Hydroponics Urban Farm. He tells our listeners about his journey and the inspiration behind starting his hydroponics venture in the township.
Born in Sharpeville, Mosesi (27) is one of 3 315 youth to benefit from the Nedbank-funded skills development program in partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES). In his discussion with Louwrens and Noemdoe, Mosesi delves into the struggles he experienced as an educated, unemployed youth and how he managed to emerge victorious in the fight against the scourge of unemployment.
“It’s actually amazing. That’s why I call farming more of a calling, because if something was meant to be, you can actually see the difference it makes in one’s life,” Mosesi says.
Dubbed the “township aquaponics pioneer” Mosesi developed a love for agriculture after completing his qualification in horticulture through the YES program. He now runs a fully functional aquaponic farm.
The young farmer cites networking as the driver of his success. He has made quite a few prominent connections in his journey, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The royal couple visited Mosesi’s farm in September this year.
“We live in a world whereby people need to know each other to actually move forward. So, the more people you meet, the bigger your circle becomes. I try to meet as many people as I can so that it is easier for us to navigate this path,” Mosesi advises.
The Farmer’s Inside Track podcasts and videos are recorded in both Cape Town and Johannesburg and are available on different platforms, including a weekly e-mailer, a WhatsApp line and a bustling Facebook group.
To get free access to all the exclusive content on Farmer’s Inside Track, head to farmersinsidetrack.co.za and sign up. To join the WhatsApp line, either click here or send a WhatsApp with the message “Sign me up for Farmer’s Inside Track” to +27 81 889 9032, providing your name and surname, e-mail address and province.
- Farmer’s Inside Track is proudly brought to you by Food For Mzansi, Africa’s Best Digital News Start-up. Advertisers who wish to explore opportunities on any of the Farmer’s Inside Track channels can e-mail ivor@foodformzansi.co.za and kobus@foodformzansi.co.za.
