At just 31, Simphiwe Senzeko Mabuza is the youngest finalist in this year’s Grain SA Farmer of the Year competition. This dynamic young farmer is the son of Shadrack Mabuza, a previous mentor of the Farmer Development Programme, who has played a huge mentoring role in his son’s development as a farmer. The news of Simphiwe being chosen as a finalist in the New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year category was well received on Mooiplaats.
‘Positive announcements like these are always welcome and appreciated,’ he says. Simphiwe is thrilled to see that the effort that has been put into their farming operation is being noticed and acknowledged. He believes hard work, following the correct procedures and agricultural practices, and being a hands-on farmer are key to his success.
His passion for farming was sparked during school holidays at his grandmother’s home. The grandchildren had to rise early to help with the farming activities. After completing a diploma in operations management in 2018, Simphiwe headed straight back to the farm Mooiplaats where he is now running Lisise Farm’s operations.
Apart from his granny, his father has played a huge role in his development as a farmer. ‘Farming was more than just a job to my father, it became a way of life.’ The PGP team have also played an integral part in the success of his farming operation. ‘They introduced me to people with vast experience in farming. They have also opened doors to various channels of getting funding – something that is a big challenge for developing farmers. The team also help me whenever I need assistance with whatever is happening on the farm.’
The Mabuzas own two farms where they run a mixed farming operation, growing soybeans and maize on more than 300 ha. They also keep Merino sheep on the one farm, Dorpers on the other and have a combination of Beefmaster and Brahman cattle. His progress can be seen clearly in his increasing yield every season. He is part of the 1 000 Ton Club and hopes to be inducted into the 1 500 Ton Club this year.
SIMPHIWE’S STORY
What was it like having the camera crew on the farm?
The camera crew being here to capture our farming activities for the Day of Celebration video was definitely a new experience for me. I am a very reserved person, so that day I had to step out of my comfort zone and make sure that the content creators got all the footage that they needed. Hopefully I don’t have to repeat any of that anytime soon.
What is your favourite childhood memory of life on the farm?
I have got so many great memories when it comes to growing up on the farm and having a farmer as a father. Our trips to the Eastern Cape to talk to other farmers, seeing our harvest improving on a yearly basis because of all the hard work and preparation done, and seeing my mom and sisters slowly getting involved in the operation, are a few that stand out.
FARM FACTS
Name: Mooiplaats Farms
Nearest town: Ermelo
Region: Mpumalanga
Type of farming operation: Mixed – crop production (plants soybeans, maize and sometimes sugar beans) and livestock (sheep and cattle)
PGP’S CONTRIBUTION
- Joined Grain SA in 2018
- Breyten study group, also attend Region 29 meetings in Ermelo
- Member of 1 000 Ton Club
A MENTOR’S VIEW
Graeme Engelbrecht, regional development manager at PGP’s office in KwaZulu-Natal, says Simphiwe is hands-on with all operations – from input selection to physical mechanisation to harvesting and also the marketing. ‘He has good financial management and control, and keeps good mental tracking. He values knowledge and has an enquiring mind, asks pertinent questions valid to his operation, and tries very hard to apply the advice given.’
