Creating sustainable growth through agriculture

Sibanye-Stillwater, a community that CARES

You Reap What You Sow is a successful agricultural co-operative located in the Mohlakeng township, west of Johannesburg. Launched in 2011, the initiative is 90% black-women owned and employs 12 people and creates a further 36 job opportunities through learnerships as well as seasonal and casual employment. The initiative is a partnership between the West Rand District Municipality and Sibanye-Stillwater. The parties invested in the initiative by providing 20 hectares of land, infrastructure, irrigation systems, operating costs and equipment. Co-operative members produce organically-grown tomatoes, cabbages, spinach, green peppers, potatoes and onions. The initiative seeks to boost the township economy not just by creating employment in the community of Mohlakeng, but also creating a sustainable and affordable market for local hawkers and providing fresh affordable vegetables for the community to buy. They also supply local retail stores, the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market and give back into the community by supplying the orphanages in the area with food. You Reap What You Sow has won three awards with the biggest award presented to them at the 2018 Gauteng Department of Economic Development’s Township Entrepreneurship Awards. The co-operative was awarded with a R200 000 cash prize. Sibanye-Stillwater contributed R6.7 million towards its infrastructure, irrigation system, operation costs and further contributed equipment that assured day-to-day operations. In addition, the company offered mentorship and training for employees. This project was boosted in partnership with Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The team of 12 members have only used a portion of the 20 hectares and the aim is to utilise the whole area by the next three years continuing to supply big retails with fresh vegetable produce.