In 2017, Nonkululeko Ximba faced a challenging time when her young son’s health required a special kind of nourishment – goat milk. The paediatrician’s recommendation seemed simple enough, but there was a catch. The nearest place to find this precious milk was at a Woolworths store, more than 100 kilometres away.
“Only Woolies stocks it and, unfortunately, we don’t have one in Ladysmith, so I had to drive all the way to Newcastle just for milk,” she explained.
For nearly two years, she made these trips, each time wondering if there might be a better way. During one of these long drives, a thought began to take root.
There was a gap in the market. So, Ximba made the bold decision to start goat farming herself, ensuring a steady supply of the milk that had become so vital to her family.
Establishing Asante Saanen
Her farm, Asante Saanen, produces nutrient-rich goat milk. As the co-founder of an occupational health clinic with two mobile units and walk-in clinics in Heidelberg in Gauteng and Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal, Ximba found it fitting to combine her passion for health with agriculture.
Currently, they only breed Saanen goats and have a strict diet for them recommended by their vet, which also includes Brewer’s yeast supplement.
“My farming journey began on state land in Ncwadi, near Pietermaritzburg, but it wasn’t without its hurdles. The land had no electricity, and I couldn’t install solar or any other solution because I hadn’t received permission, even though my family has lived on the farm for more than 30 years,” she explains.
Asante Saanen is the home of organic farming. Ximba says she is committed to her goats, managing everything from their vaccines to trimming their hooves. “We also have plant production. Last month, I harvested some potatoes and spinach. I recently planted some cabbage, and I’m currently selling milk to locals in my area.”
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Overcoming challenges in goat farming
Ximba’s journey into goat farming began with high hopes but she faced a devastating setback last year. “I currently have five goats; 15 of my goats were stolen, and worse, eight of them were confirmed pregnant. I opened a case, but… South Africa,” she adds with a sigh. “It was last August, and I’m still shattered. I’m still angry.”
Another obstacle Ximba faces is the lack of land, which restricts her ability to fully realise her vision. These limitations, she says, made it difficult to manage the daily operations, especially when it was time for milking.
This led her to rent space in Heidelberg, where she is currently farming. “When I started farming, I had to take care of the goats’ vaccines, feed them, and trim their hooves, which I developed a love for.”
Despite these challenges, Ximba remains determined and continues to push forward. “I have eventually bought land in Utrecht, KwaZulu-Natal, and am currently building there. In January, I’ll move in permanently.”
“I’ve obtained a quotation for a fence, and I’m hoping to start planting maize and oats in September. But I need the department’s go-ahead as I wouldn’t want to invest and then be evicted later.”
According to her, farming is currently a part-time job but the demand keeps growing, which is why she plans to do it full-time next year. Her knowledge in goat farming is backed by short courses in goat production and collecting and preserving quality genetics.
“We also have a hygiene policy that we follow. Currently, we’re in the process of obtaining ISO/IEC 17021 certification.”
With her goat dairy venture still in its establishment phase, Ximba recently registered her business legally under the brand Intando Creamery. “I’m taking it more professionally now. I learned not to sit back and wait for help; I learned to keep moving; help will find me along the way. Despite my limitations, I remain determined and resourceful.”
Marketing and expanding
For now, her marketing is word-of-mouth. “I have restricted myself to social media as I do not have enough quantity for a large market as yet, but as soon as I get enough land, the better. I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew.”
Despite not yet having the agricultural equipment she needs, Ximba is undeterred. “I’m even considering selling my 60% shares in my healthcare business to purchase a tractor. But I cannot buy a tractor without knowing where I’ll use it.”
Her expansion plans include diversifying into goat milk skincare products, with a soap-making course already on her agenda. “Our goat milk products are unique because they not only make you feel healthy but also give you a healthy glow. For those with eczema and acne, we’ve got you covered.”
Ximba’s ultimate dream is to make Asante Saanen “the house of goats” where goat milk, meat, and mohair are celebrated for their health benefits.
“My brother, who has an agricultural degree, is also working on goat meat sausages and burger patties. My goal is to make Africa understand the health benefits of goat milk, meat, and mohair.”
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