Partnership between EDF Power Solutions and LIMA promotes food security and small business development in the Eastern Cape

Uzasahe Mbebe, a student whose deep connection to agriculture began in Komani (Queenstown) in the Eastern Cape, learned farming basics from his grandfather, who became his first role model. This early passion led him to Winterberg Agricultural School in Fort Beaufort, where he finalized his career path in the field.

Family Legacy in Agriculture

Today, as a third-year student at Fort Cox Agricultural College, pursuing a degree in agricultural business with a specialization in livestock, Mbebe applies classroom knowledge in practice. Returning home to the village of Mceula, near Welkom, he jointly manages and develops his family's cattle and mohair enterprise with his family.

Mbebe's love for the land was first awakened on family property in Bloukrans, near Komani. Observing his late maternal grandmother, Tristan November, caring for the soil and livestock made an indelible impression on him, an impression that only grew stronger over time.

Mbebe notes: 'The real turning point came in 2018 when I looked at my father's cattle. At that moment, childhood admiration turned into a clear decision, and I realized my future belonged to the land.'

Business Development and Education

In 2019, Mbebe officially launched his farming venture under the name Ummagrico (Pty) Ltd. He began working alongside his father, Zolani Mbebe, and uncles Fudukile Ndlovu, Samnkelo Ndlovu, Luhaya Ndlovu, and Zitukhele Ndlovu, all trading under this legal entity.

When he started that year, his father provided him with an initial herd of cattle to start an independent enterprise. Through disciplined management and strategic growth, Mbebe has increased this initial gift and now manages an impressive herd of over 120 head in his own name.

To turn this lifelong passion into a viable commercial career, Mbebe focused on building a strong educational foundation. Before entering higher education, he gained practical industry experience working at Number 2 Piggeries under the Fort Hare Piggery Trust. His dedication to study also led him to join the Mohair Empowerment Trust, expanding his practical knowledge of premium animal fibers.

Role of the Livestock Student

While studying at college, Mbebe hires a full-time shepherd for the farm and returns home to conduct core care operations such as dipping, shearing, and sorting. His duties include daily herd care, checking animal health, and strategic planning.

Mbebe says: 'With our Dohne Merinos, I conduct scheduled vaccinations, parasite treatments, and monitor nutritional needs during the critical calving period.' He adds that working with the Mohair Empowerment Trust gave him invaluable practical experience in specialized fiber production.

Combining demanding academic studies with a growing agricultural business requires strict time management and a reliable support network. Mbebe explains: 'Since I cannot be in two places at once during the semester, I rely heavily on my father and uncles to manage the daily physical labor. I contribute strategically, coordinating logistics, and am fully engaged on weekends and during academic breaks.'

Mbebe has already successfully applied his college coursework on the farm, particularly regarding parasite control on communal pastures, where roundworms constantly threaten the health of the cattle. He notes: 'In my livestock and agricultural business modules, we focused on targeted herd health programs and tracking resource costs.' Instead of the traditional method of treating the entire herd of over 400 Dohne Merinos, he implemented a structured monitoring approach. This strategic shift prevents costly veterinary treatment leading to parasite resistance and does not deplete the business finances.'

'We started assessing animal condition scores and checking for signs of anemia before dosing. Applying this principle, learned in class, directly reduced our medication costs, protected herd health, and showed my family immediate financial benefit from combining modern science with traditional farming methods.'

Commercializing Communal Farming

Mbebe explains that the choice of the Dohne Merino breed was a strategic decision based on the animal's dual-purpose versatility and high adaptability. While many farmers choose between meat or premium fiber, the Dohne Merino produces high-quality fine wool alongside fast-growing lamb carcasses.

'What is even more important for our specific setup is that they are hardy, resilient animals with outstanding grazing capabilities,' says Mbebe. On communal lands where grazing resources are shared and environmental conditions can be unpredictable, this breed thrives, maintaining high fertility and low maintenance requirements.'

Looking ahead, Mbebe explains that his ultimate goal is to transform the family operation from small-scale farming into a highly structured, commercialized enterprise. 'I want to establish our setups as models of how communal lands can be efficiently used to produce wool, mohair, and premium beef,' he states.

He also plans to implement digital herd management tools to track individual performance, pedigree, and health history for every animal, which is vital for commercial growth. Furthermore, he intends to apply advanced pasture management techniques to enhance grazing efficiency on communal lands, ensuring optimal nutrition for his herd and cattle throughout the year without soil degradation. Combining these modern methods with his mohair knowledge will allow the family to maximize profit and sustainably scale the business.

In the rural settlements of the Eastern Cape, where high unemployment and a lack of economic opportunities are observed, a quiet industrial revival is taking place. A small business development initiative, launched less than three years ago in the municipality of Ngquka Hill, has already channeled over 2.5 million rand into businesses owned by Black people and youth.

Small Business Transformation

Furthermore, this program helps convert informal enterprises into sustainable companies capable of creating jobs, developing skills, and retaining local wealth within rural communities. The program was founded by local development specialist Loyolo Mapekula in November 2023, based on the conviction that rural communities possess the necessary talents and resources for local industry growth, which often lacks structured support.

Entrepreneur Support Mechanism

According to Mapekula, the initial plan for the program was to develop a strategic business plan to create a solid foundation for local industrial development using existing resources. Instead of simply providing access to funding, the program supports entrepreneurs at every stage: from company registration and feasibility studies to business plan preparation, attracting investment, and providing ongoing assistance after funds are approved.

Successes in the Textile Industry

Today, businesses in sectors such as clothing manufacturing, welding, technology, film, tourism, and educational technology are beginning to benefit. The program has achieved its greatest success in clothing production, where women-owned enterprises are gradually forming what organizers hope will become a full-fledged rural textile industry.

Among them is Ngubo Creation (Pty) Ltd, owned by entrepreneur Nowethu Ngubo. Her business received funding approval of 350,000 rand from SEDFA. These funds will allow her to purchase industrial sewing machines, equipment, and fabric in bulk, significantly increasing the scale of her operations. Ngubo noted that the funding will enable her to acquire industrial sewing machines, equipment, and fabric in bulk, substantially increasing production capacity, improving quality and efficiency, and allowing her to take on larger orders that were previously impossible due to limited resources.

Previously, limitations forced her to decline opportunities, such as school uniform orders. After installing new equipment, Ngubo plans to hire three people and expand production to include school, church, corporate wear, protective gear, and custom items. She also expects to supply products to government departments, businesses, and private clients. For a business that had recently operated as a 'successful side project alone with limited capabilities, without funding and inconsistent orders,' this transformation is significant. Ngubo also awaits the results of an application for 50,000 rand to the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council, feedback on which is expected later this year.

Other Clothing Sector Examples

Other clothing manufacturers supported by the program are already demonstrating potential. Umzamomhle Sewing received about 450,000 rand from various government structures, allowing it to purchase equipment and materials. This business now employs six people and trains 30 women each semester in clothing production. Graduates have already established two cooperatives and a private company.

Ngcathu Services (Pty) Ltd received an initial 30,000 rand to purchase fabric, which helped sustain four jobs and paved the way for a further application of 350,000 rand from SEDFA for additional stock. Meanwhile, Sakhokuhle Tital Project received 270,000 rand for equipment and materials, enabling the owner not only to expand production but also to hire four young people, ensuring greater financial stability for their family.

Vision for an Industrial Cluster

Mapekula believes that the long-term vision extends far beyond supporting individual businesses. The program has introduced embroidery and specialized machinery for hemming, loops, and elastic inserts in this region. Plans are currently being developed to introduce jersey production and sublimation printing equipment, and additional funding of 3 million rand from local and regional economic development funds should further strengthen the emerging production cluster. For Mapekula, the goal is clear: the creation of a rural production economy led by women.

Development of the Technology Sector

Although clothing manufacturing has become the flagship sector of the program, it has also helped young entrepreneurs find opportunities in the technology sector. One such entrepreneur is Lutho Putuzo, founder of PurasTech Hub (Pty) Ltd in the deeply rural village of Gangata. His business received 250,000 rand from the Small Business Development Department, allowing him to grow his modest street activity into a growing digital services business.

Putuzo stated that the grant became an incredible catalyst for growth. Although the funding was intended to create a fully equipped internet café, the search for affordable commercial premises means both branches continue to operate from street points. Instead of slowing progress, Putuzo adapted. The funding allowed him to purchase new equipment and portable power sources, enabling both mobile digital hubs to continue operating despite frequent power outages. He emphasized that the new equipment significantly expanded his customer service capabilities.

However, for Putuzo, the vision always went beyond providing internet access. He aims to create a comprehensive digital center where rural youth can use computers, repair mobile devices, learn digital skills, receive marketing support, and even engage in recreational games. In his opinion, for a deeply rural community like theirs, this center will be a vital bridge across the digital divide. He noted that many young people lack opportunities simply because they do not know how to write a CV, type documents, or apply online for jobs and higher education.

Expansion of Production Areas

The program also supports production outside the clothing sector. Siyema Arc Welding received 350,000 rand to purchase modern equipment, including, according to organizers, the region's first laser welding machine and plasma cutters, as well as about 140,000 rand for production materials. This business is expected to employ 12 young people from the village of Nkunzimbindi, transforming a long-abandoned rural shop into a production workshop. Future plans include local production of fences, wire mesh, and nails.

In the creative sector, the youth enterprise Massegae Media Film (Pty) Ltd received about 450,000 rand for professional production equipment and has already trained a crew of 13 people to create feature films targeting national and international audiences.

Educational and Other Projects

Educational technology is also part of the program's broader vision. An innovative learning system, initially created from local clay and wood, has evolved into an award-winning teaching methodology now used in the schools of Makhanda, Mtaty, and Lusikisiki. This year, the Technology Innovation Agency provided the project with 260,000 rand to develop an educational application and device for rural and urban schools, as well as to train 12 young people in this methodology.

Other projects in development include ceramics and tile production, an agro-processing and poultry enterprise, a women's cosmetics business in Port St. Joseph, and a women's enterprise in technological tourism.

Mentorship and Prospects

Behind every funded business are years of mentorship and skill development. Mapekula asserts that over the past eight years, he has personally trained 12 young people in administrative, marketing, and financial skills, many of whom subsequently graduated from institutions such as Midlands College and Ingwe College. Much of this work, he says, was done with minimal external support. He acknowledges that the program continues to operate with limited office equipment, staff, and financial resources, yet demand continues to grow.

Despite these limitations, plans are underway to expand the model to the neighboring municipality of Bizana by the end of 2026 as part of a broader regional industrial development strategy. Mapekula is confident that their municipality will gain a solid foundation for future industries. For entrepreneurs like Ngubo and Lutho, this vision is already becoming a reality. One is preparing for mass production of school uniforms, while the other brings digital services to communities long excluded from the digital economy. Their businesses, although operating in different sectors, illustrate the central idea of the program: that with proper support, rural entrepreneurship can become a powerful driver of local industrial development, employment, and long-term economic transformation.

Challenges remain: funding is still limited, staff is overworked, and resources are scarce. However, the businesses emerging from the program demonstrate that some of the strongest foundations for South Africa's future industries may be forming not in large cities, but in the villages of the Eastern Cape.