Up close and personal with Aviwe Gxotiwe – African Farming

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

Don’t ever give up. Take ownership of your life. People can give you a leg up, but it’s up to you to craft your future.

WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY IF YOU COULD?

I would have taken bigger risks earlier and been bolder. I should have made my own mistakes sooner.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS TO DATE?

Creating an agribusiness with a corporate structure in five years. I did it without government help, instead managing to access funding from the private sector Most people thought it couldn’t be done.

WHO HAS MADE THE BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION TO YOUR SUCCESS SO FAR?

My dad. His belief in me and the fact that he gives me room to make my own decisions have made a huge difference.

HOW IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS?

Excellent. Barnard Goosen has the hunting rights to the farm, and my other neighbour, Chris Hobson, is a great guy.

WHAT ROLE DO INPUT SUPPLIERS PLAY IN THE BUSINESS?

The Humansdorp Co-op has made a huge impact on my business.

HOW IMPORTANT HAS ORGANISED AGRICULTURE BEEN TO YOU?

I’m a little ambivalent. They have a huge role to play, but they also need a new vision and new ideas. Having said that, young people should start taking ownership of problems and not always let the old chaps do the work.