SIZABANTU NAZARETH FARM'S AMAZING PROGRESS!
Exciting Update! We’re thrilled to share the amazing progress of Sizabantu Nazareth over the past two years, especially in the wake of the challenges posed by Covid-19. Despite a slight decrease in the number of cooperative beneficiaries from 17 to 13 due to reasons such as old age, this hasn’t dampened the incredible growth at the farm.
The level of production has soared, and the farmers have become increasingly self-reliant. Gone are the days of heavy dependence on external organisations like Siyazisiza. The remaining beneficiaries, mostly young and full of passion, are steering the cooperative to new heights, with the current chairperson being the youngest ever!
What’s truly remarkable is their newfound independence in various areas, including record keeping, production techniques, financial management, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement. Sizabantu Nazareth has become a shining example of empowerment and skills development.
We’re delighted to report that the farm now supplies 3 Boxer stores in Nongoma (2) and Ulundi (1) through our linkages, as well as the Ulundi Spar. Their primary crop, spinach, is in such high demand that they sell over 2,500 bunches per week, generating an impressive income of around R16,250. Moreover, they also supply other produce to local communities and bakkie traders, and the farm now has their own delivery truck, a Hyundai H-100 model.
In a testament to their commitment and expertise, we’ve chosen them for an exciting off-take trial. Starting this September, Sizabantu Nazareth will supply Nando’s with their dry red chillies. We’re confident they’ll excel in this opportunity and make it a resounding success!
Sizabantu Nazareth has truly raised the bar for community-based projects like theirs. They exemplify what can be achieved with unwavering dedication and perseverance. None of this would have been possible without the crucial funding they received to establish their project. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Camilla Trimble for her generous early support of the farm, and we celebrate the remarkable journey of Sizabantu Nazareth, drawing inspiration from their triumphs!
