Many climb the ladder of success with so much laxity and ease; others go through the mill of servitude before the limelight falls on them. It is a two way – street where both roads lead to an expected end. From the humble beginning of life where there were lots of disadvantages, the perseverance and determination to succeed turned a man who once worked as a laborer into a millionaire.
Dr. Ntuseni Nesane is one of South Africa’s most successful tomato entrepreneurs. After working for 8 years as a farm laborer, Dr. Ntuseni decided to pursue greener pastures in the city. But after a futile seek for a greater life in Johannesburg, he reverted to the village to begin a microscopic farm with his miniature savings. After quickly realizing that the life he desired could not be achieved in a city, he returned home in 1967. The local chief granted him permission to cultivate a 10-hectare area in the Sane Village of the Vhembe district municipality.
Now 71 years old, he has been in the commerce of tomato farming for over 40 years. With no formal education, he began his agribusiness journey with only a donkey and a plough. His farm, Tshalata Farms, generates roughly 14,400 tons of tomatoes per season and employs over 200 employees. Every year, his farm commerce spends up to three million Rand (over $200,000) on labor alone.
The University of Venda honored Jameson Ntuseni Nesane for his excellent labor and commitment to the country’s economic growth through his agricultural firm, Tshalata Farms, on September 28, 2012. From the 10 hectares of land, he began with, his trade now farms on more than 400 hectares. But his tomatoes are primarily targeted at the South African domestic market; his trade additionally exports tomatoes to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Tshalata Farms, which grows tomatoes, gem squash, and watermelons, was founded on this property. He gradually extended his enterprise till the total area under cultivation exceeded 200ha. He was unable to develop further on the community property in Sane, so he rented land in Nwanedi, some 60 kilometers south of Musina, where he currently rents 200ha of government-owned land.
Ntuseni says, “We started planting around 15 hectares at a time with 540 000 tomato seedlings.” Per acre, about 36 000 seedlings are sown. He produces around 130t/ha, for a total of 14 400t each season. The majority of his clients, particularly those from outside of the nation, purchase straight from the farm. He distributes to the fresh produce markets in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Springs, and Klerksdorp, as well as to Tiger Brands in Musina.
Though his efforts, the standard of living of many people have been positively affected reducing the unemployment rate and also feeding the populace.
We at TIAST group are also committed to providing the conducive atmosphere for investors, shareholders, and farmers etc. to contribute to societal growth through value addition to agricultural produce. We provide technological service and technical support, financial leasing and off-take services.
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