Someone who has shown tremendous improvement through the mentorship he receives in the Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) Farmer Development Programme, is Mhlangenqaba Mkizwana, the 2024 Grain SA/Absa/John Deere Financial Subsistence Farmer of the Year. Mhlangenqaba is one of the farmers mentored by Eric Wiggill, regional development manager in the Eastern Cape.
Eric has been a committed mentor of the programme for the past twelve years, and in this time has guided more than 10 000 farmers. He has been involved with Mhlangenqaba’s growth as a farmer for the past three years and was thrilled when he was announced the winner at the Day of Celebration.
For Eric, mentorship is not just a one-sided matter where the mentor teaches, and the mentee listens and learns. ‘The rewards of being a mentor are huge,’ he says, especially when he sees the smiles on the faces of the farmers as they learn about farming.
He believes that a mentor needs patience, perseverance, and humility, and that when you treat someone with respect, it will be returned. His advice to other mentors is to ‘step back a notch’ and come down to the level of the farmer they are teaching. ‘If you need to start teaching at grassroots level, build on that. Remember a step in the right direction is a win, so take that win and build on it.’
Changing poor agricultural practices that have been used by the farmers for generations is difficult. He explains that this process takes time as development does not happen overnight. ‘So, praise the things that are done correctly and fix the errors without an attitude.’
Trying to get the farmers using specific planting times was a huge challenge in the early years of his involvement, as they planted on the same date every year. ‘No one had taught them that various factors, such as the weather patterns, should be taken into account when it comes to planting dates,’ Eric shares.
The fact that this elderly farmer (77 years old) lives far away from any towns and has become truly self-sufficient through his farming, is one of the reasons why Eric nominated him as farmer of the year. ‘His whole operation is done with dedication and precision,’ Eric recounts. ‘As chairperson of the Gamakhulu study group, Mhlangenqaba has developed his area over the years by ensuring that the other study group members are focused on doing what they are taught. They have all improved their maize yield.’
Eric’s dream for Mhlangenqaba is similar to his own. He hopes that the farmer’s sons will learn from him, continue improving their area and inspire other young people to start farming. His dream for his own farming operation is that he will be able to pass his knowledge on to his children and grandchildren and see them flourish.
THE MENTOR AND MENTEE
Why did you nominate this farmer?
Because of his super attitude towards life and farming. In 2023 it became clear to me that Mhlangenqaba could easily become a winning subsistence farmer. He enjoys the training at the study group sessions and follows the advice he is given. He plants by hand and has realised a yield of 9 tons on his 1,5 ha.
What have you learnt from him?
To never think that age can limit learning.
FACTS ABOUT THE MENTOR
Name: Eric Wiggill
Region: Kokstad/Mthatha/Maclear (Eastern Cape office)
Position: Regional development manager
Mentors: Everyone who crosses his path
THREE IMPORTANT FACTS A MENTOR NEEDS TO REMEMBER
- You are not a boss on the farm where you are mentoring, but a teacher.
- Believe in the good characteristics of people and you will be rewarded.
- Small farmers are not less important than big farmers, as they all believe in farming and aspire to have a super crop.
What impresses you most about him?
When Mhlangenqaba’s farming operation started flourishing, he wanted to ensure that his village could experience the same success. As chairperson of the study group he has taken on a mentoring role, making sure that the farmers follow the advice shared at the study group sessions. ‘Seeing a whole community harvesting and being happy, realising things are looking more positive, makes the effort you put in worthwhile.’
