MBOMBELA- An accountant by profession having worked for eight years in the corporate space, Khensani Dlamini says transitioning to farming has been a smooth ride.
Dlamini, an organic farmer was one of the exhibitors at the official opening of the 8th Annual Mpumalanga Show last week.
The event featured agriculture and forestry machinery, exhibitions and food stalls, different breeds of animals, various competitions, cultural dancing and live entertainment.
Speaking to Mpumalanga Mirror, Dlamini shared her journey on how she got into farming.
“It was in 2012 when I left my job as an accountant and assisted a family member at their farm. I had no farming background but we eventually registered a cooperative with other young people”
She explained how they were assisted by the National Youth Development Agency before branching out on her own to establish her company, ND Holdings. She underwent training on permaculture methods of farming from 2018 until 2023.
Permaculture is a nature-inspired approach to designing productive and resilient human systems, from farms and gardens to homes and communities, by imitating the patterns and processes of natural ecosystems to meet needs sustainably.
“We are more like conservationists because we look after the soil, we look after our water, we preserve, we do not use water and we do not plough unnecessarily. When you visit my farm, it is evident that I keep it as natural as possible and I conserve a lot of these natural resources like water and I make sure my soil is always covered.”
Over the years, she says managed to earn money to grow her business.
“I now have a stable market that I am supplying which are the local lodges and also hoping to set up a farm. We currently have four employees but the plan is to employ more people as we are expanding. Being a part of the Mpumalanga Show will also help to grow our client base and to attract potential organic farmers, “explains Dlamini.
MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Khethiwe Moeketsi said the department has been an active driver behind the scenes playing a role in planning,mobilisation, coordination and exhibition support to ensure the success of the show.
“This year, we are proud to welcome a diverse range of exhibitions from various government departments, institutions, private entities and most importantly, our farmers both emerging and commercial.We see hope, progress, and a collective commitment to building a resilient agricultural economy for Mpumalanga,” said the MEC.
