By Faridat Salifu
Determined to turn her passion for farming into a successful enterprise, Musabeni took a bold step in 2017, leasing a 15-hectare plot in Mapleton, Gauteng, while juggling night shifts as a nurse.
Her initial attempt at commercial farming—harvesting 1,000 bunches of spinach for the Joburg Fresh Produce Market—ended in disappointment when an oversupply left her with no earnings. This setback, however, became a turning point in her agricultural journey.
Realizing the need for a diversified and strategic approach, Musabeni adjusted her production model.
She staggered planting cycles to ensure continuous harvests and explored alternative markets beyond fresh produce vendors.
By directly approaching supermarkets and food processors, she found reliable buyers, securing steady revenue streams. Today, her client base includes suppliers for major supermarkets, airlines, and the hospitality sector.
To counter seasonal challenges, Musabeni expanded operations to Masisi, Limpopo, where milder winters allow year-round production.
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Her landholding has since grown to 150 hectares—owning the Mapleton farm while leasing land in Limpopo. Careful research on soil quality, irrigation methods, and crop selection has helped her optimize yields and minimize risks.
Mentorship has played a key role in her success. Experienced farmers like Johan Steyn and Rossouw Cillié have guided her in farm management, pest control, and market standards.
Learning from early mistakes, she now adheres to strict safety protocols when handling chemicals and ensures her produce meets market specifications to avoid rejection.
A major milestone in 2024 was the launch of her own precut vegetable brand, capitalizing on the demand for convenience foods. By processing her own harvest, she keeps costs lower than competitors who rely on external suppliers.
Her processing facility in Gauteng, along with another near the Joburg Fresh Produce Market, allows her to meet rising demand. While currently relying on manual labor, she plans to introduce mechanization this year to improve efficiency.
Despite the challenges, Musabeni remains committed to growing her agribusiness.
With plans to visit farms locally and internationally for further learning, she sees her venture expanding significantly in the next decade. Her journey underscores the power of resilience, innovation, and strategic thinking in modern farming.
Source : Farmers weekly
