June’s hero: Teboho Mohono
Teboho Mohono (63) is the June winner in the Grain SA/John Deere My Hero series. He was nominated by his son, Tshepiso Mohono.
Teboho is a beef cattle (Bonsmara) and sheep (Dormer) farmer in the Bloemfontein area who sells his animals at auctions. He is also involved in crop farming, specifically soybeans and sunflower.
Tshepiso shares how he grew up around animals due to his father’s involvement in farming. ‘For me, it was nothing new waking up early, or getting to vaccinate animals.’ He tells that it was only when he grew older that he came to realise what a huge privilege it was to have been exposed to animals in the way he had been. ‘I also had the opportunity to experience random wildlife such as jackals when the sun began to set.’
Although they have their differences and do not always agree on how things should be done, he still sees his father as his hero. ‘It is my father who gave me the opportunity to learn what hard work entails. I see my dad as my hero because he has afforded me so many free golden hours.’
Tshepiso continues with respect: ‘To farm is my dad’s life and seeing the dedication he has makes me stand in awe. Agriculture is not an industry where things just happen easily, but my father continues to persist. He continues to work hard.’
His love for farming and hard work is rooted in his father’s example. ‘Determination and work ethic are things I am very grateful I got to learn from my father. He is indeed my hero.’
