Following in his father’s footsteps

April 2025

Imagine winning a great cash prize just because you want to pay tribute to your farming hero. This is what happened to Musa Sibiya. Musa read about the Grain SA and John Deere competition, ‘My Hero’, and decided to enter his hardworking son, Mzwakhe Sibiya (23), who is following in his father’s footsteps and working passionately with soil near Amersfoort, Mpumalanga.

Musa explains that time has changed young people’s behaviour and the respect they show. ‘One thing I can say about my son, is that he respects me in a way a father expects from his son. Unlike his peers, he did not seek a job but decided to follow my example and accept me as his teacher to show him how to run an agricultural business.’

During the past five years, Musa taught Mzwakhe that hard labour, long hours and sometimes disappointment would form part of this journey. ‘Instead of demanding an education, he embraced these challenges and never complained about the hard work. Last season, he produced 10 tons without my assistance, from preparing the soil to harvesting. To me, that was proof that when I am no longer part of this world, my legacy will continue. I know that Mzwakhe will also pass the baton to my grandchildren.’

This proud dad shared that he has always been his own mechanic. ‘I did not realise that Mzwakhe watched me closely while I was repairing my equipment. Because he learned from me, the Department of Agriculture recently appointed him as a tractor mechanic to assist small farmers in rural areas. He has also mastered sheep herd management, which is his great passion. He has learnt that farming is a business, and that is exactly what he is doing! Thank you, Mzwakhe, for your respect and hard work. You make me proud!’ 

By nominating the hero who fuels your passion for farming, you can win a cash prize of R2 500. Your story is a tribute to their lasting legacy, and your hero will also win an exciting gift from John Deere. Click on the link to fill in the form (https://sagrainmag.co.za/my-hero-entry/) or visit the website sagrainmag.co.za. 

Publication: April 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula

Author: SA GRAAN/GRAIN EDITORIAL TEAM