By Pfumelani Tsedu
Emily Monyela (right) is a hard-working farmer who could not allow her age to hold her back. (Picture by Mavhavaza Maluleke)
Gravelotte, Selwane and Prieska (GRASP) affiliated farmers make a life-changing journey in agricultural sector while ensuring food security.
GRASP is a black-owned agricultural secondary Co-operative that is meant to benefit members residing in these three areas that have re-grouped themselves to form a secondary cooperative.
The Co-op was established in 2012 and registered in 2017 with the aim of helping local farmers to be productive and sustainable. It consists of farms that were acquired in different ways – from privately owned to government lease agreement and communal land used on acquirement for Permission to Occupy (PTO).
They mainly grow variety of vegetables. One of the products of this Co-operative, which the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform is proud of is Emily Monyela.
The 62-year-old farmer from a dusty rural village of Selwane, could not allow her age to stand in her way in farming because it is just a mere number. Her ability has gone beyond age and is currently one of the top producers of fresh produce.
Monyela farms on a 10 hectors (ha) Makokopane farm which she acquired through Permission-To-Occupy (PTO) from Chief Selwane of the Selwane Traditional Authority in ward 18 of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, Mopani District. Makokopane is a member of local Selwane Primary Co-operative. Selwane, as a primary co-operative is a member of a Secondary Co-operative named GRASP, which is responsible for the running and operation of Masala Farmer Production Support Unit (FPSU).
Monyela produces bulk of mouth-watering fresh vegetables ranges from Chillies, maize, cabbages, butternuts, onions and tomatoes, with the help of four full time and five seasonal employees. The distinguish quality of her produce penetrated the space of big fresh produce markets such as Pretoria and Johannesburg. Thanks for the coordination by the same Co-op that makes it easier for the likes of Monyela to gain access to markets.
The assistance by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform to Makokopane farm with fertilisers, insecticides, seedlings, mechanisation and non-financial support like training and market access has not gone unnoticed as her produce stand out while encouraging neighbourhood farmers of GRASP to do more.
