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The Zuma’s
Mr Mzwayi and Mrs Celiwe Zuma from the Hlatikulu region
have access to 6 ha of arable land in the foothills of the Giant’s
Castle mountain range. They are an exciting couple to be in-
volved with on their journey in agriculture.
Both are extremely dedicated to their family and their work.
This 6 ha are what they rely on to support their family. The
Zuma’s both entered into the Jobs Fund project facilitated
by Grain SA in 2015. Previously they had relied on traditional
practices, i.e. land preparation was done by ploughing, then
disking and then planting conventionally using contractors.
They would plant the cheapest seed available, fertilising only
with kraal manure and use little to no chemicals for weed con-
trol. Through the training they received in the Grain SA Jobs
Fund project, the Zuma’s have adopted modern methods by
implementing no-till practices.
They sampled their soils and fertilised accordingly, including
the application of lime. They made use of Roundup Ready
maize seed and applied the appropriate chemicals. Planting
was done with a tractor, but the rest of the work was done by
hand including spraying, fertiliser application and harvesting.
Watching the Zuma’s take their formal ‘classroom’ training
and putting it into action in the field has been inspiring. They
have seen immediate benefits from these new practices and
have been so excited by the possibilities it holds for them as
a family.
In the past the Zuma’s were satisfied with a 1,5 t/ha to 2 t/ha
crop. In the 2015/2016 season they achieved a 4,1 t/ha crop!
Considering this year saw one of the worst droughts ever, this
was truly an exceptional achievement.
Besides the direct benefit of food security for the Zuma’s as a
family, they have also provided part time work for 15 people
through the season. This has truly been food security and job
creation in action.
GAVIN MATHEWS,
mentor
1: Celiwe and Mzwayi Zuma stand proudly in front the excellent stand
of their maize crop.
2: Harvest time at the Zuma’s. Happiness is food security and jobs
created for local community members.
3: Brothers Inhlanhla and Thula Mngadi used their tractor with the ARC
sponsored planter to do some contract planting for their neighbours.
4: Inhlanhla Mngadi stands tall in front of their even taller maize crop
despite the drought season.
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October 2016