Up close and personal with Andile Matukane – African Farming

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

Be your own cheerleader. How other people see you doesn’t matter; how you see yourself matters hugely.

IF THERE IS ONE THING YOU COULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY, WHAT WOULD IT HAVE BEEN?

I wouldn’t have done anything differently. If I had, I wouldn’t have learned the valuable lessons I’ve learned on this journey.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST SUCCESS TO DATE?

Transferring my knowledge to my mentees, who are doing very well.

WHO, OR WHAT, HAS MADE THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR SUCCESS?

All the programmes I’ve attended.

WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP DO YOU HAVE WITH OTHER FARMERS AND WHAT ROLE HAVE THEY PLAYED IN YOUR SUCCESS?

I’ve had sensible business relationships with other farmers. I have learnt from them and I hope they have also learnt from me.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR FINANCING?

Getting finance is always a challenge and can be a stumbling block. My advice would be to keep working on your idea; business and finance will find you along the way.

WHAT ROLE HAVE INPUT SUPPLIERS, SUCH AS SEED AND CHEMICAL COMPANIES, PLAYED IN THE BUSINESS?

Besides me buying my own inputs, they have not played a role.

IF THERE WAS A SINGLE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Please recognise and support aspiring, young, start-up farmers. I’d also like to see her pay a visit and support rooftop farmers, as we have a huge role to play in food supply and in mitigating the effects of climate change.