A farm in Mthatha that boasts two hectares of cabbages and potatoes belongs to a hardworking couple who have managed to sell produce which meet the standards of those similar to commercial producers. 

Mr Xishibane started farming in 2000, but only farmed vegetables on half a hectare of land. He then moved across the stream where he expanded the size of his field to its current plot, and sold his vegetables which helped him save enough money to pay “Labola.” With the profits made from selling their vegetables, Mr Xishibane was able to build a house for him and his wife to live in.

Over the years, Mr Xishibane and his wife and have worked hard at maintaining the garden as it was not an easy task with the watering system they were using. Anglo Platinum funded the couple with an irrigation scheme, which gets its water from a nearby stream.

“Watering a large piece of land was very difficult because I had to travel with my vehicle to fill drums with water and then water the vegetables with a watering can. We no longer need to do this since the project provided us with an irrigation system. I am so grateful that I no longer need to fill up watering cans and drive to fetch water,” said Mr Xishibane. 

Mr Xishibane says it has been an absolute pleasure having irrigation. His cabbages are almost ready for market, linkages with stores have been created to ensure the goods are sold. The produce is sold to Fruit n Veg, Spargs and Spar in Mthatha, and to the the local community who find the Xishibane’s produce more affordable.