The Mxokozeli siblings' story is one of determination, grit, and an innate love for farming. Bolstered by the success and reputation of their uncle, Michael Mxokizeli, as well as the support from the Cape Flora community and local government, Justice, Phosiza, and Thandiwe are giving the Iqhude project wings.
Eight years into a 30-year lease of Riverside Farm, the Mxokizelis have already cultivated five hectares that produce market-ready Cape flora varieties. This is part of 16 hectares earmarked for this purpose. The total size of the land is 1,235 hectares, of which 780 hectares is covered in fynbos. From this natural fynbos, flowers and foliage is bought and harvested by an outside party. The family experimented with cash crops on the remaining arable land, but that proved to be unsustainable. They currently also have 280 heads of livestock to assist with cashflow.
The journey to be appointed firstly as caretakers and then as lessees of Riverside Farm was not without challenges. Michael Mxokizeli did not meet the requirements for a bank loan and had to turn to the Department of Rural Development and Land Affairs (DRDLR) to become a candidate to be settled on a Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS) farm. The family business, Iqhude Supply and Farming (Pty) was chosen from 50 applicants. A one-year lease was signed in 2016 with the DRDLR, followed by a 30-year lease agreement, which includes an option to buy. As of 2019 the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), contributed close to five million Rand to equip the farm with immovable and movable assets, as well as farming related consumables.
© Cape Flora South Africa
The kind of on-the-ground progress made to date on Riverside Farm does not happen in isolation and a host of advisors and mentors provided and continue to provide their expertise to the family. Individuals like Kosie Lourens, an expert in the cut flower industry who also became the family's confidante; Chris van Schalkwyk who assisted with planning and systems; and Gerhard Malan, sponsored by Cape Flora SA, who serves as agricultural advisor. Stalwarts from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture's office in Bredasdorp, Hennis Germishuys and Rene Bastiaans, continue to assist with the paperwork that keeps the government's support wheels in motion.
The mentors and advisors have high praise for the Mxokizelis' work ethic and progress. Gerhard Malan observed that 'the farm is well managed and if their finances allow, they will become a trusted supplier of quality products'. Kosie Lourens, is very optimistic about the future of the Iqhude business: 'I grew quite close to Justice, Phosiza, and Thandiwe and I can tell you they are very motivated, positive, and open to learning.'
Jacky Goliath, Cape Flora SA's Transformation representative and fellow small farmer, is very
© Cape Flora South Africa impressed with what the family has achieved up to now. She believes the important matters to address now are marketing, ensuring accurate cost estimates, networking and relationship building within the industry.
New businesses all share certain challenges and in the case of this type of agricultural venture there is the added delay of three years to establish plant material before it can be harvested. 'Because leases are not seen as collateral by banks, cashflow is always an issue. But we have made it this far and plan to pack in our own facility and export to the international market under the Iqhude brand by 2026/7. Cape Flora SA has been instrumental in exposing us to the export value chain and commercial role players in it', says Justice.
Riverside Farm is situated in the historical Elim district in the flora rich Overberg region. Its remoteness is further testament to the commitment of these three young people. Phosiza oversees the fields and according to her it's been hard to watch friends and family progress faster in bigger towns and cities, 'but I love what I do and it has made me resilient. You can put me down in a desert and I will survive. No day is the same and being part of something that went from zero to hundreds of beautiful flowers makes everything worth it.' Thandiwe is in charge of the nursery tunnels and admin. She feels proud of what they've achieved. 'I love waking up in the morning knowing I can create jobs for people. It feels good to put bread on someone's table.'
Farming has been a lifelong dream and calling for Justice. In partnership with his family and with the support of the Cape Flora community, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and other institutional organisations this dream is on its way to becoming a legacy for future Mxokizeli generations to build on.
For more information:
Cape Flora South Africa
Tel: 27 (0)21 870 2900
Email: [email protected]
capeflorasa.co.za/
