Siyabonga Madonsela’s journey to expand his family’s farming operation is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and hard work. Born into a farming family, his early years were steeped in the rhythms of rural life, where he developed a deep-seated love for agriculture nurtured by his father’s guidance and the fertile soil beneath his feet.
“I didn’t expect to enjoy myself so much by doing the hard labour, but I ended up loving every single moment,” he says.
Siyabonga and his father oversee a thriving farming enterprise, cultivating grains on a 40-hectare expanse of land that bears the fruits of their labour. Despite the challenges of unpredictable weather and limited resources, their determination knows no bounds as they work hand in hand, sowing seeds of hope and reaping the rewards of their toil. They dedicate 4 hectares to maize. “Every kernel of maize we plant is a testament to our resilience and commitment to our craft.”
While their primary focus is grain production, Siyabonga’s passion for agriculture extends beyond the fields to the pens, where he tends to a growing herd of pigs. With two large white pigs under his care, he finds fulfilment in nurturing life and fostering growth. He also saves money using some of his harvested maize to feed his pigs.
In 2023, an unexpected opportunity from SASOL opened new doors for Siyabonga, paving the way for him to pursue his passion for poultry production. Armed with knowledge from Buhle Farmers’ Academy’s Poultry Production Course and a thirst for learning, he dreams of expanding his farming operations to include poultry, enriching his expertise, and broadening his agriculture horizons.
Despite challenges, Siyabonga remains undeterred, fuelled by a vision of growth and prosperity for himself, his family, and his community. He has three permanent staff members and employees up to four seasonal workers for planting and harvesting. With each seed he plants and each animal he tends, he sows the seeds of change, nurturing a legacy of resilience and determination that will endure for generations.
Why Buhle Farmer’s Academy?
Buhle Farmers’ Academy’s Poultry Production Course provides comprehensive training, practical skills, and ongoing support to equip farmers with the necessary tools to succeed in the competitive poultry farming industry, create employment opportunities, and contribute to their communities’ sustainability.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Housing and infrastructure
- Feeding and nutrition
- Disease control and biosecurity
- Brooding and rearing
- Record keeping and management
- Processing and marketing
Visit our website today for more information about our Poultry Production Course, including how to enrol.