On this Freedom Day, we highlight the exceptional work of Nonopa Tenza, owner of Kevinot Farming, a rural enterprise based in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.

Nonopa is a living testimony to Nelson Mandela’s words: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

An accountant by profession, she previously worked for one of South Africa’s big four financial services organisations in Johannesburg.

She made the bold decision to leave a well-paying corporate career to pursue farming, reviving abandoned land that belonged to her father-in-law. Her journey reflects the true meaning of freedom: the courage to create, build, and transform rural spaces into places of opportunity.

Kevinot Farming focuses on crop production, particularly yellow maize, as well as livestock farming, including cattle and sheep. The farm also grows lucerne and teff grass to feed its livestock and sell bales to surrounding farms.

Like many agricultural ventures, the journey was not without challenges. The farm had no fencing, inadequate livestock handling infrastructure, no equipment, no storage, and even the farmhouses were in a dilapidated state.

ECRDA, as an implementing agency of the Department of Agriculture, supported Kevinot Farming through its Structured Rural Finance and blended finance programmes.

This support contributed to the revival and sustainability of the farm, enabling the purchase of a tractor, fencing, and livestock, including an initial 42 sheep, made up of two rams and 40 pregnant ewes. ECRDA also provided essential crop production assistance. Today, the farm has grown significantly, with more than 135 cattle and 279 sheep.

The impact extends beyond the farm. Kevinot Farming currently employs 15 people across full-time, part-time, seasonal, and internship roles. During peak seasons such as planting and harvesting, the farm brings in an additional 20 or more workers.

The farm also supports a local primary school through educational tours and contributes beans grown on the farm to support the school feeding scheme.

Kevinot Farming has also established reliable markets, supplying maize to Kokstad Milling and buyers in Pietermaritzburg, which is then sold to Cargill for delivery to Epol for livestock feed. Livestock is sold through AAM Livestock Agents and Auctioneers, Farmers Livestock Agents auctions, local communities, abattoirs, and established buyers such as Karan Beef.

Kevinot Farming has received several awards and recognition, including:

2025 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Accelerator Programme graduate

2024 African Women in Business Award winner for Agriculture

2023 MTN Business SME Jumpstarter winner

2023 AWIEF Agri Entrepreneur Award winner in Kigali, Rwanda

2023 Top 3 Female Commercial Farmer of the Year, Eastern Cape Province

2023 Female Commercial Farmer of the Year, Alfred Nzo District

2022 Inaugural Presidential Award for Rural-based SMME of the Year winner

“We are deeply thankful to ECRDA for the financial support they provided to Kevinot Farming. Their investment came at the right time and gave us the foundation to grow our business. Because of this support, we are now able to create jobs, uplift our community, and contribute to economic activity in our rural area. We truly appreciate ECRDA’s belief in us and their commitment to our success,” says Nonopa.

Kevinot Farming stands as a beacon of hope, showing that with the right support, rural enterprises can thrive and build a better future for the next generation.

A young farmer, Lamla Nokhubeka, who manages Kibiti Farming in Upper Gxulu near Keiskamahoek, is an ECRDA structured finance success story delivering tangible results through job creation and productive harvesting.

The farm recently completed a successful harvest across 14 hectares, producing 5 hectares of cabbage, 8 hectares of potatoes, and 1 hectare of blueberries.

Most of the produce is supplied to East London markets and local outlets, marking a significant milestone for both the business and the surrounding community.

Kibiti Farming currently employs more than 20 local community members, who are actively involved in planting, irrigation, crop management, and harvesting.

Each harvest not only generates income for local households but also builds valuable agricultural skills within the community.

With access to 130 hectares of arable land and continued support from ECRDA, the farm is well positioned for expansion.

Planned investment in modern irrigation infrastructure is expected to boost production capacity and create additional employment opportunities for local residents.

“This support has helped us achieve a successful harvest and create jobs for our community. With improved irrigation, we will be able to grow more and employ even more people. I am truly grateful for the support from ECRDA,” said Mr Nokhubeka.

Kibiti Farming is a clear example of how ECRDA support translates into farming success, sustainable livelihoods, job creation, and community growth.

“It will help me minimise production costs because I now have my own equipment, including a tractor, plough, trailer, and planter. Previously, I had to spend nearly R12 000 annually on operational costs for my 5 hectares of land,” said Mr Gladstone Gcinuhlanga Silinga from R2 Locality, Mgomanzi A/A in Butterworth under the Mnquma Local Municipality.

Before receiving financial support from ECRDA, Mr Silinga faced challenges that limited the growth of his farming operations, including reliance on hired or borrowed tractors, delayed planting due to limited machinery availability, and high operational costs that placed financial strain on his business.

Today, those challenges are becoming a thing of the past. Through ECRDA financial support, Mr Silinga recently received a brand-new tractor together with farming equipment.

He currently operates on 5 hectares of land producing vegetables, cabbage, and yellow maize. He is also a member of Ethika Agricultural Primary Co-operative, where members collectively operate on 20 hectares of land.

The newly acquired tractor will not only support his own farming activities but will also strengthen operations within the cooperative, improving efficiency and productivity for fellow farmers.

“I intend to expand my production by planting cabbage and potatoes immediately after harvesting my mealies.

I am very happy with the equipment received through the ECRDA loan support. Keep up the good work you are doing because, without this support, I would not be where I am today,” added Mr Silinga.

In addition to farming operations, the tractor will also be utilised for commercial hire services within the community, including the loading and transportation of sand and crushed stone (uhlalutye) from river sites, as well as the collection and delivery of firewood from forests for traditional ceremonies and community events.

ECRDA continues to demonstrate its vision of “UPhuhliso Lwamaphandle oluquka Uluntu Ngokubanzi” by driving inclusive rural economic development across the Eastern Cape

On a 10-hectare farm opposite Ducats Township, just 10km from East London CBD, Ms Liziwe Dakiso is steadily building a diversified and expanding agricultural enterprise.

As one of ECRDA’s new Structured Rural Finance clients, her progress demonstrates how targeted financial support can unlock real production growth and strengthen rural enterprises.

“The loan came at a critical time when I had recently acquired additional pregnant breeding sows that were due to give birth within weeks. The funds were used to purchase lactating feed for the nursing sows and weaner feed for the piglets, as well as additional nutrients and equipment to mix my own feed.

This ensured that the sows produced sufficient milk for the piglets and that the piglets reached the required market weight within 30 days. As a result, all piglets were marketed and sold on time, which increased my revenue generation,” said Ms Dakiso.

As the owner of PORKHUB (PTY) LTD, Ms Dakiso is more than a pig farmer, she is a woman in agriculture strategically expanding across multiple livestock streams to strengthen her production base and commercial footprint.

She is currently under ongoing mentorship from the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) and CS Vet Veterinary Consultancy (Vet CS), who provide technical and veterinary support to enhance productivity and compliance.

Her farm currently consists of:

• 50 breeding sows, of which 60% are currently pregnant and expected to farrow in March and April, in line with her production plan

• 150 piglets at any given time

• 32 cows

This diversification reflects intentional growth, strengthening income streams, and building long-term sustainability.

Her produce is trusted by established buyers, including:

• East London Abattoir

• Local butcheries

• Local small-scale farmers

These market relationships confirm both quality and consistency, key indicators of a commercially viable enterprise integrated into formal value chains.

The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) played an active role at the South African National Parks (SANParks) Vision 2040 Indaba, a three-day gathering held from 03 to 05 September 2025.

The Indaba brought together government, civil society, land claimant communities, academia, women and youth formations, the private sector, and conservation partners to collectively shape a new vision for South Africa’s natural heritage.

Leading ECRDA’s participation, Simpiwe Somdyala, Chief Executive Officer of ECRDA, was among the key dignitaries who set the tone for discussions. Serving as a Scene Setter, he drove robust conversations on Inclusive Economic Growth under the topic “Diverse Perspectives on Actions Towards Inclusive Conservation.”

His contribution emphasised the importance of aligning conservation objectives with rural development priorities, ensuring that surrounding communities actively participated in — and benefited from — conservation-led economic opportunities.

ECRDA also showcased its programmes through the exhibition platform, highlighting initiatives that empowered rural communities, unlocked economic opportunities, and supported sustainable development across the Eastern Cape.

Convened under the theme “People in Harmony with Nature: Championing Prosperity,” the Vision 2040 Indaba featured high-level conversations, keynote addresses, focused breakaway sessions, and exhibitions demonstrating how the Vision 2040 agenda was already being translated into practical action within communities.

From Dreams to Reality: How ECRDA Helped a Young Man Chase His Farming Dream

For as long as he can remember, 33-year-old Wandile Khave dreamed of working with animals. Raised in the rural town of iDutywa, in Ndaleni Location, he grew up surrounded by vast open land but without access to any of it.

Despite the odds, Wandile’s heart was always set on livestock farming. Yet, without land, capital, or support, his dream seemed out of reach.

“I always knew I wanted to be a livestock farmer. But wanting something and having the means to do it are two different things. I didn’t have land or money. All I had was a dream and passion,” Wandile recalls.

Determined to carve out a future in agriculture, Wandile pursued a National Diploma in Agriculture.

In 2020, he began farming on a small piece of land, growing vegetables such as cabbages, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, beetroot, lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower. Every seed he planted was a step closer to turning his dream into reality.

In 2021, his efforts began to bear fruit. Wandile registered his own company, Karoo Farming Enterprise (Pty) Ltd.

While his vegetable crops flourished, his passion for livestock farming remained strong. That’s when Wandile turned to the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) for support. With high hopes and a detailed plan, he applied for assistance to establish his livestock business.

His application was approved, and through ECRDA’s support, 16 pregnant Bonsmara heifers were purchased on his behalf. Today, 14 healthy calves have been born, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his agricultural journey.

“I heard about ECRDA while looking for funding. When they approved my application and bought the cattle, it felt like a dream come true,” says Wandile.

“The day I received the 16 pregnant heifers was one of the happiest of my life. Watching them give birth felt like a major achievement.”

For Wandile, this experience has been nothing short of life-changing.

“It boosted my confidence and gave me the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge to my own herd. Now I can even advise other farmers with real experience to back me up.”

Simpiwe Somdyala, Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), led a multi-stakeholder delegation on a visit to the Ivili Loboya animal fibre processing and manufacturing facility in Butterworth, Eastern Cape.

The delegation comprised ECRDA Executive Management and sector specialists, alongside representatives from the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Amathole District Municipality, Mnquma Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, and the National Agricultural Marketing Council.

The visit formed part of a broader effort to strengthen collaboration in the commercialisation of wool value chains, promote inclusive economic growth, and advance sector transformation in the province.

Ivili Loboya, an award-winning sheep and goat fibre processing plant, was showcased as a beacon of innovation in the Eastern Cape. Following the recent installation of new wool processing machinery, the facility had significantly increased its wool fibre input capacity and was now processing more than ten times its original requirement.

Despite these advances, the engagement highlighted the need for further government support to meet growing demand and enhance production. Key support areas discussed included mobilising communal wool growers, increasing the number of sheep sheared at local shearing sheds, and improving breeding programmes, farm infrastructure, and wool preprocessing to remove vegetable matter and improve fibre quality.

ECRDA reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to support the Ivili Group in establishing an animal fibre agro-cluster within the Amathole District Municipality. The proposed agro-cluster would be linked to Ivili Loboya and Ivili Tex’s commercial offtake opportunities, creating new enterprises across the value chain and stimulating job creation in the region.

The visit underscored ECRDA’s continued dedication to building strategic partnerships that drive sustainable rural development and economic transformation across the Eastern Cape.

Cingisita Piggery, one of ECRDA’s beneficiaries, led by Ms Phumza Sifingo, a proud recipient of support through the ECRDA and SEDFA (Sefa) Blended Finance Programme.

In partnership with DanBred Breeding Company, the enterprise recently hosted a mentorship and development programme aimed at equipping emerging pig farmers and students from Ikhala TVET College with advanced skills in pig production.

The training focused on two critical areas in modern pig farming: Artificial Insemination (AI), a reproductive technology that improves breeding efficiency and herd genetics, and Farrowing House Management, which ensures optimal care for sows and piglets during the farrowing (birthing) process.

Through initiatives like this, Cingisita Piggery demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing agricultural education, promoting sustainable farming practices, and strengthening food security in the Eastern Cape and beyond.

It was a rewarding day of harvesting for Ms. Zoleka Dikana, owner of Aruzabiz Pty Ltd, a thriving agricultural enterprise and proud beneficiary of the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) rural finance programme. Her farm, situated in Cofimvaba near Komani in the Eastern Cape.

The yield includes a variety of vegetables such as spinach, cabbages, and bell peppers, showcasing the farm’s commitment to quality production and sustainable agricultural practices.

“This is one of my best harvest, the cut-off percentage is high, the quality is great, and it’s responding very well in the market,” said Ms Dikana.

Her vegetables are in high demand, supplied to major retailers and outlets including Boxer Superstores, Spargs, Spar, Mfundisi Fruiterers, Mabovula, Buffalo City Market, and local hawkers highlighting the growing impact of her operation across the region.

This milestone is a clear demonstration of the value of targeted rural development initiatives.

We are pleased to see ECRDA playing a meaningful role in transforming rural communities and supporting sustainable agricultural growth

Izinini CPA: Transforming bare land into a thriving community forestry enterprise

The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of community-based forestry enterprises across the province.

The Izinini Communal Property Association (CPA) stands out as one of the most successful examples of this support.

Recognised by the National Department of Rural Development and Land Reform as the second most successful CPA out of 1,742 CPAs in South Africa, Izinini’s remarkable success is attributed to its strengthened corporate governance and sound financial management both achieved through the continuous support and capacity-building efforts of ECRDA.

Located within the Izinini community in Bizana, this project is a living testament to ECRDA’s commitment to rural transformation and sustainable forestry development in the Eastern Cape. What was once bare, wattle-infested land has been transformed into a thriving community development forestry project, creating tangible economic and social benefits for the local community.

They cleared the invasive wattle and replanted the land with suitable, marketable tree species.

Today, approximately 550 hectares have been successfully planted, generating multi-million-rand revenue over the past five years.

The project’s growth has also stimulated job creation, with 60 people now permanently employed.

Beyond its economic success, the Izinini CPA has demonstrated exceptional social responsibility building two houses for destitute families and sponsoring sports kits for local teams, including soccer and netball.

Furthermore, Izinini CPA contributes significantly to the national economy, paying over one million rand annually in taxes to SARS, showcasing how community-driven forestry can promote sustainable livelihoods, inclusive development, and responsible citizenship.

Izinini is one of five forestry projects supported by ECRDA, collectively covering 4,360 hectares across the province.

These projects include:

• Sinawo (Joe Gqabi District)

• Izinini (Alfred Nzo District)

• Mkambathi (OR Tambo District)

• Sixhotyeni (OR Tambo District)

• Gqukunqa (Alfred Nzo District)

Through these initiatives, ECRDA aims to develop sustainable rural forestry enterprises that contribute to economic growth, job creation, increased rural incomes, and poverty alleviation, affirming the agency’s mission to drive inclusive and transformative rural development in the Eastern Cape.