Tiger Brands helps emerging farmers
Emerging maize farmers from Ventersdorp in the North West have become part of Tiger Brands’ multi-million farmer development initiative to help transform agriculture.
The Dipuno Enterprise and Supplier Development Fund was launched by the food manufacturer to assist emerging farmers with funding and technical support so that they can produce on a larger scale. The first group of farmers involved in the initiative harvested tons of white maize, which will be supplied to Tiger Brands. Beneficiaries receive technical support and many of the resources they need to become successful commercial farmers.
The company says it has invested over R50 million in the programme and has so far helped 157 emerging black farmers across the country.
Farmer Kagiso Molebaloa says after receiving funding and other support, he was able to grow 300 hectares of maize – the biggest quantity since he started farming alongside his parents over two decades ago.
The land he leases from the local tribal authority had been left unused for many years because they could not afford to cultivate it.
“The programme allows us to grow at a faster rate than we would have on our own. They offer funding with far less interest, compared to the commercial banks,” he says. Another beneficiary, Lerako Naphtaly, says he had been farming on only 10 hectares of land, which meant that he could not supply the quantities needed by supermarkets and agro-processors. “Being part of the programme allowed us to have access to a very good market, which is often difficult to find. It also allowed us to be exposed to other potential buyers of our products and services,” he says.
Richard Keothaile, the Chief Director of Land Reform and Rural Development in the North West, says he is pleased that Tiger Brands has answered government’s call to major agriculture roleplayers to play their part in transforming the industry. Tiger Brands Enterprise and Supplier Development Director Litha Kutta says they plan to help over 1 000 farmers by 2030.
Farmers who want to become part of the Dipuno Enterprise and Supplier Development Fund, visit www.dipunofund.co.za
Chevening scholarship beneficiary Menzi Mthembeni Bhengu (33) urges others to apply for a master’s degree scholarship to study in the United Kingdom(UK).
Chevening scholarships are awarded to individuals who have the skills to create positive change in their home country and are committed to doing so.
Those awarded the scholarship are expected to reside in the UK for the duration of their studies.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can change the future trajectory of your career and will place you in good stead to seize other opportunities abroad or locally,” says Bhengu.
He was selected for the scholarship in 2015 and completed a Master of Science in Social Anthropology at the University of Oxford. “Through discipline and determination, I was able to complete my course in record time.”
Bhengu, who was recently appointed as the manager for transformation and social inclusion at the University of Zululand, says the scholarship also gave him access to an invaluable network of peers and alumni from across the globe.
“It also enabled me to benefit from interinstitutional exposure and a curriculum that has made me relevant to the Southern African market. It aligned me with the next generation of leaders, who are passionate about making a meaningful contribution towards the growth and development of the region,” he says.
The scholarships fall under the UK Government’s global scholarship programme and are funded by its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), partner organisations and partner universities.
They offer full financial support to study for any eligible master ’s degree at any UK university and offer scholars the opportunity to gain access to a wide range of academic, professional and cultural experiences.
Since the programme started in 1983, over 50 000 professionals have had the opportunity to develop in the UK through Chevening.
“If you are someone who is passionate about driving change in South Africa or globally, if you want to be the best at what you do and if you have the imagination to inspire others, then a Chevening scholarship could be the perfect opportunity for you,” says HE Antony Phillipson, the British High Commissioner to South Africa.
Chevening welcomes applications from anyone, irrespective of age, race, gender, religion or cultural background. “We want to see that you have energy, curiosity, compassion, a clear vision for your future and the ability to achieve your goals,” Phillipson confirms.
There are over 1 500 scholarships on offer globally for the 2023/2024 academic year. Applications close on 1 November 2022.
For detailed information about application criteria, visit chevening.org/
scholarships. To apply, visit chevening.org/apply