Up close and personal with Nonhlanhla Gumede-Shabalala – African Farming

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

My dad told me that the earliest bird catches the fattest worm. Even today I still wake up very early. The mind is fresh in the early hours of the morning. You can do a lot of work in those hours.

IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY IF YOU COULD?

I think everything worked out perfectly fine. I wouldn’t change anything.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE?

Having my own flourishing business at 35 is a blessing. Also, having built this farm from a property worth R3 million to an estimated R10 million is one of my biggest achievements.

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

My dad, who believed in me even though I was a girl among boys. He believed I was the one who could help him with this business.

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS? WHAT ROLE HAVE THEY PLAYED IN YOUR BUSINESS?

I have an excellent relationship with all my neighbours. These guys are so helpful with many things.

WAS IT A STRUGGLE TO SECURE FINANCING? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR EMERGING FARMERS IN NEED OF FUNDING?

Yes, it was a struggle, but once I had it I didn’t want to borrow any more. My advice is to start saving early and keep your records clean. When you go to borrow money, the first thing they look at is how much you have.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ROLE OF INPUT SUPPLIERS IN YOUR BUSINESS?

It’s an over-the-counter relationship. I buy, they deliver. Nothing more.

IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO OFFER THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE SOME ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

She must come to the farmers to understand the challenges we are facing. We are working hard and trying to grow our businesses, but we are not moving an inch because of lack of support from her department.