When he started farming vegetables in 2021, Sihle Maseko only had one hectare of land to grow his produce.
His hard work and determination to be a success has resulted in the creation of jobs for others. 
Armed with a Diploma in Agricultural Science, the 29-year-old farmer from Keiskammahoek in the Eastern Cape produces a variety of vegetables, including cabbages, butternut and green mealies on 15 hectares of land.
The 15 hectares of land include five hectares, which is owed by his family and a 10-year lease from the community.
With 10 people employed on the farm, Maseko’s market has extended to other district municipalities, including Chris Hani and OR Tambo.
Maseko has also managed to establish regular buyers in Middledrift, Alice, Keiskammahoek, East London, Peddie and other areas in the Amathole District.
Thanks to the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) support, Maseko will now be able to produce more and expand his business.
In October, DRDAR MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters, handed over a tractor and its implements to Maseko which will help him to grow and become a commercial farmer.
“I want to be able to create more jobs for my community and inspire more youth to join this sector. The youth should realise that they can make a good living out of this sector,” Maseko said.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Pieters said government aims to ensure that there were black commercial farmers who, through support provided, are able to improve their businesses to make more profit, and be able to create jobs.
“We don’t want farmers that are always emerging and waiting for handouts from government. Agriculture is a business and it should not be practiced leisurely, especially with the investment from government - we want to see returns. Government cannot afford to be always pumping money to farmers that are not growing, you need to graduate," Pieters said.
The MEC also urged the youth to follow in Maseko’s footsteps.
“We are here today to assist a young farmer to produce more and excel in farming. If Sihle can do it what prevents other young people to get up and do something for themselves?” she said.
At the event, the MEC also handed over cropping inputs that included maize seeds and fertiliser to Keiskammahek community projects. - SAnews.gov.za
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