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AMADLELO-AGRI
SUSTAINABLE DAIRY FARMING & COMMUNITY UPLIFTMENT IN THE EASTERN CAPE THROUGH INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Since its inception, Amadlelo Agri has unlocked 2200ha of dormant and underutilised land and created numerous job opportunities through its innovative dairy projects. By partnering with government and communities in the Eastern Cape, the organisation has not only boosted local economies, but also set new standards for sustainable agriculture and rural development.
In this edition, our team ventured into the heart of the Eastern Cape, also known as the "Home of Legends," to explore the remarkable work being done in the agricultural space, particularly in the dairy industry. We had the privilege of meeting with four distinguished leaders from different dairy trusts who shared their insights into the transformative projects implemented by Amadlelo Agri in their communities. These initiatives are not only boosting agricultural productivity but are also empowering rural communities to uplift themselves through sustainable farming.
Established in 2004, Amadlelo Agri is a pioneering agricultural enterprise committed to advancing rural economies by integrating sustainable farming practices with community empowerment. Their unique model focuses on creating partnerships with rural communities to develop long-lasting, profitable agricultural businesses. Over the years, Amadlelo Agri has become an essential player in transforming the traditional farming
landscape of the Eastern Cape, particularly in the dairy sector.
By aligning their projects with the aspirations and needs of local farmers, Amadlelo Agri has played a pivotal role in creating new opportunities for rural development. Their approach emphasises collaboration, skills development, and a shared vision for community upliftment-values that were echoed by the four leaders we spoke with during our visit.
Mr. Kente, Chairperson of the Ncora Dairy Trust, is at the helm of one of Amadlelo Agri’s flagship projects. His responsibilities include overseeing the dairy farm operations, ensuring that the project align with community needs while promoting economic growth through sustainable agricultural practices. Under his leadership, the Ncora Dairy Trust has become a beacon of hope for the local community.
When asked about what inspired him to get involved with Amadlelo Agri, Mr. Kente explained that his passion for agriculture and desire to uplift his community were the key driving forces. “I saw an opportunity to make a meaningful difference through sustainable farming, and it has been rewarding to see the impact unfold,” he shared.
The dairy farm and piggery have been vital to boosting the local economy, creating jobs and providing skills training for residents. “The most rewarding aspect of the project has been the empowerment of our community members,” Mr. Kente said proudly. “We are not just creating jobs but also fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the community. People feel like they are a part of something bigger.”
Through Amadlelo Agri’s support, the Ncora Dairy Trust has been able to offer both direct and indirect employment opportunities, further uplifting local families. However, challenges remain, including issues with land ownership and water access. “We don’t own the land yet, and the drought has underscored the need for a proper water system,” he noted. Vandalism of water pumps has also emerged as a serious concern, necessitating enhanced security measures to protect the farm’s infrastructure.
“The farm has become a vital part of our local economy, giving residents a sense of pride and ownership in the success of the project.” – Mr. Kente, Chairperson of Ncora Dairy Trust
Despite these hurdles, the partnership with Amadlelo Agri has been pivotal in ensuring the farm’s success. “Amadlelo has provided the resources, expertise, and learning opportunities we needed to thrive,” Mr. Kente remarked. Moving forward, he hopes for more government support, particularly in addressing infrastructure and financial challenges.
A key lesson Mr. Kente has learned through his involvement is the importance of financial literacy. “Managing money for both personal and business purposes is crucial for success,” he advised, adding that collective decision-making has been vital in empowering the broader community.
Looking ahead, Mr. Kente envisions expanding the project to include milk processing within the community. “This would increase job opportunities even further and keep more value within
the community,” he shared. He remains optimistic about the future and hopes to see greater involvement from the youth in agricultural initiatives, a stronger partnership with Amadlelo Agri, and more government support to help the project reach its full potential.
Mrs. Lumka Maso, Chairperson of the Seven Stars Dairy Trust in Keiskammahoek, also plays a pivotal role in overseeing the operations of the dairy farm in her region. Her leadership extends beyond managing the farm; she serves as a vital link between the community and Amadlelo Agri, ensuring that the partnership continues to benefit everyone involved.
For Mrs. Maso, farming has always been a passion. “Agriculture is in my blood,” she said, recalling how she jumped at the opportunity to partner with Amadlelo Agri. “We wanted to grow, but we lacked the resources and expertise. Amadlelo Agri came in at
the right time to provide the support we needed.” Through the partnership, the Seven Stars Dairy Trust has received critical training in business management and financial literacy, skills that have been essential to its success. “We’ve learned that reinvesting in the business is key,” she said, emphasising the importance of thinking long-term.
The dairy farm has had a profound impact on Keiskammahoek’s local economy. It has created numerous jobs, offered training in essential skills like bricklaying and fencing, and even empowered residents to start their own small-scale farming ventures.
“We’ve made sure that the people we hire are from our own community,” Mrs. Maso said proudly. “It’s not just about the farm; it’s about empowering our community.”
The Solidarity Program, which trained over 100 people in 2022 and 2023, is one of the trust’s most significant achievements. “This program has been a lifeline for many,” Mrs. Maso said. “It has allowed individuals to gain skills that they can use in various sectors.”
“Amadlelo Agri became the partner we needed to grow, helping us tranform our vision of high-quality diary production into a reality
– Mrs. Lumka Maso, Chairperson of Seven Stars Dairy Trust
Mrs. Maso also highlighted a collaboration with the Water and Sanitation Department, which is working to improve local infrastructure. “We are training 44 young people in water and sanitation, as well as first aid. This initiative will run until 2026, and we are excited to see how it will impact the community,” she explained.
Despite these successes, challenges persist, particularly around security and funding. Theft of farm property remains an issue, and government support has been limited. Still, Mrs. Maso is optimistic. “We’ve learned so much about managing the funds and following the right processes,” she noted. “We just need more support, especially when it comes to land ownership. Owning the land will ensure the project’s sustainability.”
Mr. Sabelo Siko, a board member of Middledrift Dairy Trust, has been an instrumental figure in overseeing the success of his community’s dairy farm. His leadership has been central to the project’s ability to empower local residents and contribute to the local economy.
“For me, it’s always been about community upliftment,” Mr. Siko said. “The farm has given us a sense of pride. It’s something we built together.”
The farm has created jobs for local residents and has become a crucial source of economic growth. “It’s not just about the dairy farm. The ripple effect is felt in other local businesses, too,” Mr. Siko explained.
Still, the project faces challenges, particularly in relation to land ownership and the recurring drought.
“We have learned how to handle money better, both for personal and business purposes, and the importance of collective decisionmaking in empowering our community.” – Mr. Sabelo Siko, Board Member of Middledrift Dairy Trust
“The drought has really highlighted the need for a reliable water system,” Mr. Siko said, echoing concerns voiced by other farm leaders. Crime, particularly the vandalism of water pumps, also presents a challenge that requires urgent attention.
Despite these hurdles, Mr. Siko remains committed to the project’s future. “We’ve learned so much about financial management and governance. These are skills that will benefit us for years to come,” he said. “With continued support from Amadlelo Agri and the government, we can overcome the challenges we face and continue to thrive.”
Supporting Agricultural Transformation in the Eastern Cape
The work being done by Amadlelo Agri in the Eastern Cape is more than just a business venture-it is a comprehensive approach to rural development that places community empowerment at its core.
By creating partnerships with local farmers, Amadlelo Agri has not only transformed agricultural practices but has also instilled a sense of pride and ownership in rural communities. The ripple effects of these projects are evident in the increased employment, economic growth, and skills development seen across the province.
Amadlelo Agri’s approach demonstrates the power of collaboration and shared vision. By empowering local farmers and investing in skills training, the organisation has laid the groundwork for a more sustainable, inclusive agricultural sector in the Eastern Cape. As these projects continue to grow, there is great potential for even more communities to benefit from this model of rural development.
Looking forward, Amadlelo Agri remains committed to expanding its reach, tackling challenges such as land ownership, water access, and infrastructure development, all while deepening its partnerships with both the government and the communities it serves.
With the continued dedication of its leaders and the invaluable support of Amadlelo Agri, the future of agriculture in the Eastern Cape looks bright.
