Bonolo Mothoa goes green

By Simphiwe Malunga

Bonolo Mothoa, aged 27 regards himself as a solution to the community of Winterveldt. Not only does Mothoa contribute to the green ecosystem but he generates income and gives back to his community and neighbouring areas through agriculture.

Instead of his community members travelling a distance to get freshly produced vegetation, they knock at the 27 year old’s place. Commercial farmer Bonolo Mothoa born and bred at Winterveldt Agricultural settlement, north of Tshwane specialises in planting vegetables and ‘African chickens’- poultry. Mothoa who has people’s interests at heart has gone as far as planting trees around neighbouring schools in Winterveldt through self-determination.

He has been around for a while now in the line of his work, being driven by entrepreneurship in agriculture. In an interview he takes us through on what he primarily deals with in the line of his work #Ecopreneurship:

Tell us more about you, who exactly are you?

I am Bonolo Mothoa, 27 year old farmer whose passion for farming began years ago. Born and bred at Winterveldt Agricultural settlement. I started my primary education at Motsemogolo primary school and later went to Alfred B Makapan High school at Mokopane. I studied Agriculture back in High school during grade 10, that’s where my love for agriculture began. I knew this was what I wanted to do without any hesitation. I was inspired to follow the route of farming.

In a nutshell, how are you able to generate income in your field of specialisation?

I do this by selling vegetables (spinach, beetroot, butternut etc.) in and around my community. It is also through supplying street vendors.

How does the community benefit from your field of specialisation?

Either than providing my community members with fresh produce of my products, I offer these at a reasonable cost. Through this project more especially in times either planting or harvesting I create temporary jobs to the people who have helped in making my work a success. 

In the line of your work, what are some of the challenges you come across?

Firsly, this kind of business requires proper resources or else one faces hard labour. I run this business without any funding, proper equipment one being water tanks and bore holes. In that regard, I would appreciate sponsorship in making our world a greener place.

Where do you see yourself in five (5) years’ time?   

In the upcoming five years I see myself creating more jobs for people and having my own food brand. The brand would be produced from my farm and supplying African countries with fresh and healthy food.

Mothoa advised that those intending on going to the field of agriculture should go for it without hesitation.

“Just go for it, it is a very interesting and a profitable business. What you have to know is that you must be passionate about farming and keep in mind that champions take action,” said the farmer.