Mazeli Farming: Andries and Zelda Masoga’s Journey to Potato Farming Excellence in Limpopo

Mazeli Farming and Projects has become one of Limpopo’s rising agricultural success stories. Built on hard work, strategic partnerships, and mentorship, the farm has transformed from a small family venture into a competitive commercial enterprise in South Africa’s potato industry.

Founded in 2017 by Andries and Zelda Masoga in Avon, within the Blouberg local municipal area, Mazeli began as a modest mixed-crop operation producing tomatoes, cabbage, and green peppers. Limited resources slowed growth, but the couple shared a clear vision: to build a sustainable farming business that could create jobs, expand opportunities, and access strong markets.

The turning point came in 2022 when Mazeli joined Potatoes SA’s Enterprise Development Programme (EDP). The programme provided seed funding, technical mentorship, market access, and infrastructure support, including irrigation and storage facilities. Before joining, the farm cultivated 4 hectares of tomatoes and 5 hectares of butternuts with a single centre pivot irrigation system. Today, Mazeli produces 26.5 hectares of potatoes—10 hectares under contract for PepsiCo’s Simba brand and 16.5 hectares of Mondial potatoes exported to Mozambique.

The Masogas have also maintained a diversified farming model to ensure financial stability. In addition to potatoes, Mazeli produces peppadew, butternuts, and goats while generating off-farm income from a taxi fleet and rental properties. Support from the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, the National Department of Rural Development, and Potatoes SA has enabled the farm to expand irrigation capacity, install additional pivots, and upgrade mechanisation. These improvements have boosted efficiency and allowed Mazeli to scale up without sacrificing quality.

Since shifting focus to potatoes in 2021, Mazeli has seen a sharp rise in productivity. Potato yields increased from 10 tons per hectare in the early years to 55 tons per hectare in 2024. This year, Andries Masoga achieved his best harvest yet—over 60 tons per hectare. His success is not only a reflection of innovation and discipline but also a testament to the power of mentorship and structured agricultural support.

Three years ago, Masoga joined the VKB Agricultural Development Mentorship Programme with a single goal: to grow. The programme gave him access to expert guidance and exposure to modern farming practices. His dedication has paid off, earning him recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Potato South Africa Transformation Farmer of 2025 award.

Mazeli’s achievements highlight the importance of enterprise development and mentorship in building competitive farming enterprises. By 2026, the farm plans to expand potato production to 36.5 hectares, continue creating local employment, and venture into the fresh produce market with washed and graded potatoes.

Andries and Zelda Masoga’s story shows what is possible when skill, persistence, and opportunity align. Mazeli Farming and Projects stands as a model for emerging farmers across South Africa—proof that with the right support and determination, small-scale producers can thrive in competitive markets and lead the transformation of the agricultural sector.