By Pelane Phakgadi and Maphuti Machabaphala
The MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Nakedi Kekana, has handed over a Tractor and oversaw a Harvesting Programme at Mazeli Farm at the Blouberg Municipality, Capricorn District, which is a thriving agricultural enterprise led by Andries Masoga.
Mazeli Farming and Projects is one of the success stories supported through the Department’s Farmer and Producer Support Programme. The enterprise demonstrates how targeted government support, producer commitment, and strong market linkages can transform an emerging farmer into a commercially competitive player in the agricultural sector.
Before receiving departmental support, Mazeli operated on just 4 hectares of tomatoes and 5 hectares of butternuts, with only one centre pivot irrigation system. Today, potato farming has become its primary enterprise, with 26.5 hectares currently in production — including 10 hectares under contract with PepsiCo’s Simba brand and 16.5 hectares of Mondial potatoes earmarked for the Mozambique export market.
The company boasts 10 permanent employees, and 150 seasonal workers.
Through the combined efforts of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Department of Rural Development, and Potatoes South Africa, Mazeli has expanded its irrigation infrastructure, upgraded mechanisation, and established on-site storage facilities. These interventions have not only enhanced productivity but also ensured consistent supply to domestic and export markets.
Since pivoting to potatoes in 2021, Mazeli’s yields have soared from 10 tonnes per hectare to an impressive 55 tonnes per hectare in 2024. Strategic offtake agreements with PepsiCo and export partnerships have opened new revenue streams, while plans are underway to enter the fresh produce market with washed and graded potatoes.
MEC Kekana proudly shows harvested potatoes as one of the success stories to tell through the support of the Department’s Farmer and Producer Support Programme.
