From Muddy Dams to Million-Rand Success: How Kenalemang Thekiso is Revolutionizing Fish Farming in North West

Kenalemang Thekiso is making waves in the North West farming scene. The Klipgat-based entrepreneur is thrilled to announce that his aquaculture venture, Thekiso Aquaculture Project, has received a major boost from the government: R1.6 million worth of equipment to expand his tilapia fish operation.

The funding from the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (NWDARD) includes seven fully equipped ponds, a state-of-the-art solar system, and enough feed to cultivate Nile tilapia on a 1 000-hectare community property association land.

What began in 2017 as a small act of kindness—rescuing fish from a muddy dam—has grown into a thriving business. “I grabbed all of them and put them in a duck dam. I started breeding and selling them for R80 each and I think I made about R9 000. I have never looked back,” Thekiso recalls.

He started his commercial journey in 2018 with just 2 000 tilapia fingerlings. With government support, including two vegetable tunnels and two small ponds, Thekiso honed his skills in aquaculture while supplying local markets. Today, thanks to the new grant, he plans to sell 8 000 harvest-ready tilapia to large retailers, marking a significant leap in scale.

Fish Farming Made Simple

For Thekiso, managing the fish market isn’t complicated. “The fish cannot be stolen and do not require much food. The most important thing is clean water. Once it becomes dirty, you add fresh water and that’s all you need to do,” he explains.

After experiencing significant stock theft in his cattle business, Thekiso turned his focus to fish farming—a decision that has paid off. “I’ve lost a lot of money with cattle, and that’s why I decided to concentrate on fish. It has been a good business so far. I am so happy with the government’s support; it shows they care for their people and farmers.”

Looking to the Future: Aquaponics and Beyond

Thekiso isn’t stopping at fish. He plans to utilize nutrient-rich aquaculture water to grow crops through aquaponics, creating a sustainable and profitable farming cycle. Currently working with his wife and younger sister, Thekiso hopes to hire two more permanent employees as he expands his operation.

“It is very rare to find people who harvest fish where we come from; it’s mostly in Cape Town. People love and eat this fish—even in Botswana and Namibia. It’s affordable and nutritious. It’s also about food security, and that is the most important part,” he concludes.

With ambition, government support, and a passion for farming, Kenalemang Thekiso is not just growing fish—he’s growing a community and securing a future for sustainable agriculture in North West.

📞 Contact Information:

• North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: 018 389 5724 | www.nwpg.gov.za
• Thekiso Aquaculture Project: 072 517 0759