In 2000, Simon Selwane, now 52, embarked on a journey that would transform not only his life but also the South African agricultural landscape. Armed with a crop production diploma from the Pretoria Technikon (now Tshwane University of Technology), he took his first steps toward a fruitful farming career. Two decades later, he is the proud owner of Tau Fresh Produce, a thriving agricultural business that produces cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, supplying fresh vegetables across Gauteng.
Selwane’s path to success has been anything but easy, yet his perseverance and passion for farming have been constant drivers. After completing his formal training, he gained invaluable experience through an internship at the Agricultural Research Council, followed by 14 years managing an 18-hectare vegetable farm in the south of Johannesburg. The farm management role provided the technical and business acumen he would later need to start his own venture.
The Birth of Tau Fresh Produce
In 2016, Selwane made the bold decision to leave formal employment and dive headfirst into establishing his own farm. With his vision firmly planted in the soil, Tau Fresh Produce was born. His first big break came when the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) leased him seven planting tunnels at the Soshanguve Agripark. This was a significant step that allowed him to cultivate herbs and cucumbers in an environment designed to support small-scale farmers.
The Agripark initiative, a national project spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), was pivotal in Simon’s early success. These agriparks are designed to incubate small farmers by offering collective farming opportunities, educational farms, and experimental growing facilities. They allow farmers to experiment, learn, and produce in eco-friendly and innovative ways.
“While it wasn’t easy, with the support from the Department, it became a bit bearable,” Simon admits. The agripark initiative not only gave him the tools he needed but also provided a sense of community and collaboration, allowing him to focus on growing high-quality crops.
Relocating to Rooiwal Agripark and Expanding His Horizons
Selwane’s hard work soon paid off, and in 2016, he was relocated to the larger Rooiwal Agripark, where he managed 20 growing tunnels across three hectares. This opportunity allowed him to further scale up his operations. With the larger infrastructure, he was able to increase his yields significantly, which led him to a monumental milestone in 2018: the purchase of his own six-hectare farm in Pyramid, north of Pretoria.
Today, Tau Fresh Produce employs 12 full-time workers, with the workforce increasing during harvest seasons. The business supplies its fresh produce primarily to Suntropica Farms, a vegetable packhouse in Midrand, ensuring a steady market for his goods.
A Mentor and Leader in South African Agriculture
Beyond his success as a farmer, Selwane is a certified mentor, accredited by the Agricultural Sector Education Training Authority (AgriSETA). His mentorship program is not only a way to give back to the farming community but also a contribution to the development of future agricultural leaders in South Africa. Through his enterprise, he offers plant production training from national qualification framework levels one to five, helping young and aspiring farmers learn the necessary skills to thrive in the industry.
Future Ambitions: A Bigger Farm and More Opportunities
Selwane’s journey is far from over. His future goal is to expand Tau Fresh Produce onto a 50-hectare farm, a dream that he believes would allow him to produce more food and create even more jobs. “As I mentioned, I used to manage a 180-hectare farm, so in the future, if I can have a minimum 50-hectare farm, I would be grateful. It would mean producing more food and creating more employment,” he said.
Selwane’s story is one of determination, vision, and a deep commitment to agriculture. In a world where sustainable food production is becoming increasingly important, he serves as an inspiring example of how one person’s passion and hard work can positively impact their community, create jobs, and promote food security.
Lessons from Simon Selwane’s Success
There are several key takeaways from Simon Selwane’s journey that resonate not only with aspiring farmers but with entrepreneurs across industries:
1. Formal Training Matters: Selwane’s crop production diploma laid a solid foundation for his success. Education and internships helped him gain the technical know-how to navigate the challenges of farming.
2. Take Calculated Risks: His decision to leave formal employment and start his own business shows that calculated risks, when based on experience and passion, can pay off in the long term.
3. Seek Support and Collaboration: The Agripark initiative played a crucial role in Selwane’s journey. Having a support system in place, whether governmental or communal, can be a game-changer.
4. Think Long-Term: Simon’s goal of expanding to a 50-hectare farm speaks to the importance of having long-term ambitions and continually working towards larger goals.
