Nqaba Mfaxa: Cultivating the Next Generation of Farmers

Nqaba Mfaxa is redefining what it means to be a young farmer in South Africa. From helping his father in the family garden to managing production at Saratoga Fruit Estate in Robertson, Western Cape, he combines hands-on farming expertise with digital outreach to support and inspire other young farmers.

Originally from Centane in the Eastern Cape, Mfaxa’s interest in agriculture began in childhood. He helped plant and maintain vegetables like butternuts, cabbages, and spinach, learning irrigation, fertilisation, and pest management from an early age. Visits to his brother’s Agricultural Research Council farm further cemented his passion, motivating him to pursue formal studies in agriculture.

He earned a diploma in agricultural management at Nelson Mandela University, specialising in plant production, and began an advanced diploma while balancing work responsibilities. Along the way, Mfaxa gained valuable experience as a graduate trainee with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, a winemaking assistant, and an intern at the Agricultural Research Council. These experiences built a strong foundation in both technical and managerial aspects of farming.

At Saratoga Fruit Estate, Mfaxa manages production across multiple blocks, including Alpine and Boreal. He oversees irrigation, pest control, harvest management, and quality control to ensure produce meets both local and export standards. Recently, he shared updates from the farm on social media, highlighting the pumpkin and butternut harvest: “Our pumpkin and butternut season looks promising for 2026’s harvest. Picking and packaging Burnect 28 & Luciana for the export market this week. Fresh from the orchard, straight to the crate.” He also highlighted the plum harvest, noting, “Harvest time—plums at their sweetest. Managing harvest.”

Beyond his work on the farm, Mfaxa uses social media to mentor other young farmers. He shares practical advice, agricultural updates, and opportunities through WhatsApp groups, including job openings, government programmes, and training initiatives. Followers report that these networks help them secure work and gain practical knowledge, demonstrating the value of collaboration and shared learning in agriculture.

Mfaxa recognises the challenges young agricultural graduates face, particularly the scarcity of permanent roles. Securing a full-time position after seasonal contracts has been a critical step in his career, giving him stability and the chance to grow professionally.

Looking ahead, Mfaxa plans to move into senior management while launching his cooperative, Uphila Kuzenzel’ubomi, focused on pig and poultry production to provide sustainable income opportunities for rural communities. He stresses the importance of communication, collaboration, and strategic planning for young farmers. “Don’t be an island. Communicate. Ask for assistance. Through people, we actually learn,” he says.

Nqaba Mfaxa’s journey shows how early exposure, practical experience, and strategic use of digital platforms can build a successful agricultural career. By sharing knowledge, showcasing seasonal harvests, and connecting aspiring farmers with opportunities, he is paving the way for a confident, skilled, and connected new generation of South African farmers.