The Corner Post

March 2025

FOR ERIC WIGGILL, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT PGP’S FARMER DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IN THE EASTERN CAPE, HIS PERSONAL GROWTH AND THE SMILES HE SEES WHEN VISITING OR TEACHING THE FARMERS, HAVE MADE HIM A COMMITTED MENTOR OF THE PROGRAMME FOR THE PAST TWELVE YEARS. IN THIS TIME, HE HAS GUIDED MORE THAN 10 000 FARMERS.

He believes that a mentor needs patience, perseverance and humility, and that when you treat someone with respect, it will be returned. His advice to other mentors is to ‘step back a notch’ and come down to the level of the farmer you are teaching.

‘If you need to start teaching at grassroots level, build on that. Remember a step in the right direction is a win, so take that win and build on it.’ He explains that this process takes time as development does not happen overnight. ‘So praise the things that are done correctly and fix the errors without an attitude.’

Changing poor agricultural practices that have been used by the farmers for generations is difficult. Trying to get the farmers using specific planting times was a huge challenge in the early years of his involvement, as they planted on the same date every year. ‘No one had taught them that various factors, such as the weather patterns, should be taken into account when it comes to planting dates,’ Eric shares.

To Eric, the rewards of being a mentor are huge. ‘Mentoring is really about going the extra mile.’ One of the farmers who has benefitted from Eric’s mentorship, is Mhlangenqaba Mkizwana, the 2024 Grain SA/Absa/John Deere Financial Subsistence Farmer of the Year. Eric has been involved in Mhlangenqaba’s growth as a farmer for the past three years and was thrilled when he was announced as the winner at the Day of Celebration.

When Mhlangenqaba’s farming operation started flourishing, he wanted to ensure that his village could experience the same success. As chairperson of the study group he has taken on a mentoring role making sure that the farmers follow the advice shared at the study group sessions. ‘Seeing a whole community harvesting and being happy, realising things are looking more positive, makes the effort you put in worthwhile.’

Eric’s dream for Mhlangenqaba is that his sons will learn from him, continue improving this area and inspire other young people in the area to start farming. His dream for his own farming operation is that he will be able to pass his knowledge on to his children and grandchildren and see them flourish.

THREE IMPORTANT FACTS A MENTOR NEEDS TO REMEMBER:

• You are not a boss on the farm where you are mentoring, but a teacher.
• Small farmers are not less important than big farmers, as they all believe in farming and aspire to have a super crop.
• Believe in the good characteristics of people and you will be rewarded.

FACTS ABOUT THE MENTOR

Name: Eric Wiggill
Region: Kokstad/Mthatha/Maclear (Eastern Cape office)
Position: Regional development manager
Mentors: Everyone who crosses his path

Eric’s winning farmer, the 77 year old Mhlangenqaba Mkizwana, at the 2024 Day of Celebration.

THE MENTOR AND MENTEE

WHY DID YOU NOMINATE MHLANGENQABA?
Because of his super attitude towards life and farming. In 2023 it became clear to me that this farmer (who is 77 years old) could easily become a winning subsistence farmer. He enjoys the training at the study group sessions and follows the advice he is given. He plants by hand and managed a yield of 9 tons on his 1½ ha.

WHAT IMPRESSES YOU MOST ABOUT HIM?
This old man lives far away from any towns and has become genuinely self-sufficient through his farming. His whole operation is done with dedication and precision. As chairperson of the Gamakhulu Study Group, Mhlangenqaba has developed his area over the years by ensuring that the other study group members are focussed on doing what they are taught. They have all improved their maize yield.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM HIM?
To never think that your age can limit learning.

Publication: March 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula