04 Sep 2014

There is nothing as good as undertaking a business venture that dances to the tune of one’s heart and unveils itself as a special part of oneself, that is, according to Mr Hendrick Marumo, a young farmer who rears cattle on the outskirts of Modipane in the Kgatleng district.

For Mr Marumo, who grew up heading livestock, rearing had never been a problem as he started it from a young age, which has given him enough experience to start up his own farm.

Through financial assistance from the Youth Development Fund amounting to P83 000, Mr Marumo was able to kick start his own cattle farming business in 2012.

He said it was important that when one begins something, he or she has to throw everything behind so that it prospers, adding that there is no turning back on what he has started as he will see it through to success

He stated that this was exactly what he did when he applied for youth funding in 2011 emphasising that people have to do things which they really love.

Mr Marumo said he grew up among people who loved cattle and helped them through tough days and he saw the value of them in life hence he decided to follow on what he knows best.

He said it doesn’t mean it will be a smooth journey to success as care and energy has to be put in for the journey to continue.

The young farmer asserted that a business needs someone who is always prepared to be there all the time to see the growth and development of the project.

Given the current climatic conditions, he believes that frequent visits to the farm allow him to know what is happening and what his cattle need.

Mr Marumo said his major challenge has been water for his cattle coupled with food supplements which are bought to augment the limited grazing environment. 

He said the drought hit him hard last year as he lost four calves prematurely but, fortunately, another four survived which gives him hope that he will get there. 

Mr Marumo added that he started with 10 female cows and one bull and he has not lost any so far and keeps on thanking God for protecting his animals.

He said he would like to have his own borehole as it is cheaper compared to paying someone else for using their borehole which is expensive. 

Further, he said he was experiencing difficulties in acquiring water rights which leads to financial pressure on his side

Mr Marumo who cannot hide his love for cattle said he intends to have a bigger farm where he will drill a borehole within and rear his cattle also inside. 

He further said he would like to breed bulls one day and sell them, adding that he would like to take some of his cows for artificial insemination to pave way for better days ahead. 

The young farmer said when one has passion for something they will never back down until their project sees the light of day.

Due to his understanding of the nature of business, Mr Marumo decided to diversify his business interests by selling gas to residents which helps boost his financial muscle. 

“With the money from selling gas, I am able to buy food for my cattle, pay the herd man and also fill petrol as I go to the farm to check on my cattle,” he said. 

He added that he had wanted to start a piggery project as he also has experience with pigs but later changed for cattle which are doing very well. 

Mr Marumo encouraged other youths to take advantage of government programmes like youth fund to change their lives.

He said he now feels like anyone who goes to work as he also makes money for himself and does not rely on anyone to care for him. ENDS