Growing up with grandparents who were passionate about farming led Buzwe Dlembula into the industry.
Dlembula, from eMaXesibeni, said though his grandparents were no longer alive, he would take up the baton and continue their legacy.
He is doing a degree in physical science at Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha and manages a four-hectare farm.
The third-year student said he could not imagine giving up his grandparents’ teachings in the garden, but he needed to balance his studies with farming.
Dlembula has found a refuge in vegetable gardening and he and his community have benefited from it.
My grandparents’ passion for farming impacted the person I am. Both of them passed away, but I took up the baton because I found love and passion in it
About six unemployed youths from the neighbourhood have jumped at the opportunity to cultivate vegetables with him.
“My grandparents’ passion for farming impacted the person I am,” he said.
“Both of them passed away, but I took up the baton because I found love and passion in it.”
Dlembula grows only potatoes now, but hopes to expand to other vegetables and even livestock farming.
His farming business is relatively new, having started in November.
But he is optimistic that it will one day become a lucrative venture.
He plans to sell his produce in the community and to supply small and big supermarkets.
For now, he has side jobs to keep the dream alive.
“I had and still have side hustles.
I tutor mathematics, physics and life sciences at different schools to make money and that is how the garden came to life
“I tutor mathematics, physics and life sciences at different schools to make money and that is how the garden came to life.
“My tutoring has grown to a point that I am usually approached to tutor, not the other way round.”
Dlembula said the biggest and best decision you can take is moving out of your comfort zone and discovering your strengths and weaknesses.
“One needs to start with the little that he has.
“In this world a person must leave no room for negativity — instead it’s important to look beyond adversity,” he said.
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