SASSA grant helps start farming business

Lunathi Zake (27) is an example of what it means to have a goal of being self-sufficient especially after struggling to find a job.

Originally from the Eastern Cape, Zake saw a gap in the market for chickens in her village. 

In 2013, she decided to save her son’s Child Support Grant that she received form the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and used it as capital to start a chicken business. 

“I saved about R750 so that I could buy 100 broiler chickens from a nearby farmer and resell my stock to locals. 

 “The money I received from my customers was what I used to provide for my family since no one was working. I realised that I needed to act for their survival.” 

Zake used about 70% of the profit she made at the time from reselling broiler chickens to buy food for her family. 

This meant that she did not have funds to restock. 

“I did not have enough money to return to the local farm. I could not cover the costs of the business.” 

With no other income to serve as capital to continue her business, Zake was forced to shut it down. 

In 2021, she revived Zake Farming and submitted the required paperwork to the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) for possible funding. 

“I enrolled in business training at the NYDA because I lacked management skills. I attended the training, received a certificate and applied for a grant.” 

In May 2024, the NYDA provided her with R50 000 in grant funding. 

The funding was used to construct a chicken house, buy chicks, vaccines and chicken feed as well as other necessary items for the chickens. 

The boost from the NYDA allowed her business to grow and she currently produces 100 chickens every six weeks. 

 “We provide our chickens with high-quality food to ensure customers receive value for their money.” 

Zake believes that marketing her product on online platforms creates a good customer base. 

“I use Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok to promote my business.” 

She said her business has faced difficulties such as load shedding and high cost of chicken feed. 

“Even though I have come across challenges, I still have a desire to one day own a large-scale poultry business supplying fresh, locally raised chickens to the local market and big  companies,” she concluded