Kidd’s Beach in East London came alive for the 2025 Eastern Cape Farmers’ Market Day held at Sonke Dyubeni’s farm. Hosted in partnership with Mlungisi Bushula and Food For Mzansi, the event was unlike any usual farmers’ day with hundreds of people attending.
Guided by the theme “Agriculture Re-imagined”, the event brought together farmers, families, key agricultural stakeholders, university representatives, traditional leaders, and experts for meaningful dialogue on the future of farming.
Speakers discussed key topics like production loans, livestock management, and business growth. With music and strong networking, the day was both a lively market and a true community celebration.
How land and education drive farmer growth
Speaking on behalf of Unisa, Sipho Konkwane, an academic coordinator, told Food For Mzansi that they often show up at farmers’ events because, even with traditional farming knowledge, formal education still plays a vital role.
“Formal education can equip farmers with the ability to analyse complex agricultural challenges, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing environmental and market conditions.”
Sipho Konkwane
Some of the courses farmers can explore at Unisa include a higher certificate in animal welfare, diplomas in agricultural management and ornamental horticulture, and short courses on climate-smart agriculture as a sustainable horticultural practice, among many others.
However, one of the most critical challenges in farming today is access to land. Bulelani Mdlela, a sales consultant with Property Development Specialists in East London, said that in some cases, a group of farmers can come together to acquire a property, and that could be their breakthrough.
“Before any farmer operates a business, they need access to land, whether through a lease or ownership,” he said.
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Mdlela explained their company assists individuals and groups, including stokvels, in purchasing property and helps them understand how to utilise it, whether for livestock or crop farming.
“We assist with legal matters and the complex contracts involved in acquiring property.”
Bulelani Mdlela
He added that qualification depends on creditworthiness, with a credit score between 630 and 700 being ideal. For farmer groups, registration of an entity is required along with three to six months of bank statements. For individuals already in business, three years of audited financial records are needed to assess risk.
Rooted in partnership
Meanwhile, Dyubeni, the inspirational founder of Indoni Yamanzi and an agro-processor, told attendees that her journey has been made possible through strong partnerships and transparent business practices.
This same vision led to the creation of the Eastern Cape Farmers’ Market Day – an event designed not only to share information but to offer a full, interactive experience. Through live demonstrations, hands-on displays, and genuine conversations, Dyubeni hopes to equip farmers with practical, workable solutions.
“Farmers are natural problem solvers. Our ideas grow from the ground up,” she said.
Dyubeni highlighted the importance of having a business partner in agriculture. She explained that farming is demanding, whether it rains or shines, and even with challenges like climate change, it helps to have someone who can step in when one person can’t.
“Otherwise, you miss opportunities. My hope is simple yet profound: that every person who walks through the event gates walks out saying, ‘I’ve learned something valuable.”
Sonke Dyubeni
Bushula, managing director of SA Fine-Tuned Trading, said the partner initiative and Eastern Cape Farmers’ Market Day is more than just an event. It’s a way to show black farmers that the goals they dream about can become reality.
He highlighted the hidden potential of the province, saying it is often overlooked. “From the trees we have, we don’t just get shade. We also produce furniture, books, and much more. This event is for you to see how things work through real demonstrations, to understand how our farmers started and how they got to where they are,” he said.
Bushula stressed that growth comes when people look beyond race and skin colour and work together.
“One of the main challenges is that our farmers often lack knowledge about the requirements needed for funding.”
Mlungisi Bushula
Agriculture re-imagined
Anda Zaku, founder and director of two businesses, Mbhashe Gold Co-op and Iyana Farming Hub from Mfula Village in Willowvale, told Food For Mzansi that the biggest takeaway for him from the Eastern Cape Farmers’ Market Day was the reminder that innovation must be rooted in local relevance.
“Agriculture re-imagined was not just a theme. It was a call to action,” he said.
Zaku said the event offered genuine networking opportunities. He has already begun engaging with fellow farmers and industry players on potential partnerships.
“Seeing that alignment reassured me that I’m on the right path in improving my livestock genetics for both productivity and sustainability.”
Anda Zaku
From an animal health perspective, Sihle Mntunje, an animal health technician with the department of agriculture in the Eastern Cape, told Food For Mzansi that farmers need to unlearn a few common mistakes that are holding them back.
He said farmers should not depend entirely on government funding to start farming. Many also rely too heavily on government services for essentials like animal medication, feed, and vaccines.
“Most farmers don’t want to buy medication, feed, or vaccines for their animals. They always rely on government services, yet we are instructed to deal only with state-controlled diseases such as black quarter, anthrax, rabies, brucellosis, and sheep scab. I believe prevention is better than cure,” he said.
Mntunje also pointed out that some farmers resist taking the necessary steps to qualify for support.
“When they are told to do certain things, like applying for branding marks or forming a co-operative, they resist. The government prefers to empower groups rather than individuals.
“And they must know one thing: government wants to fund reliable individuals who follow and obey rules. If they resist applying for branding marks (branding certificates) for animal identification, they won’t qualify for livestock improvement and other funding. A brand mark is very important for animal identification and stock theft prevention.”
Sihle Mntunje
He added that branding certificate application forms are available at all agricultural offices. These certificates are now compulsory for livestock owners, especially cattle farmers, under the government’s Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS).
“I believe this is going to play a major role in reducing stock theft,” he said.
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Vateka Halile
www.foodformzansi.co.za
