In the agricultural hub of Thohoyandou, Limpopo, Khuliso Madima oversees a fruit and cash crop operation, merging technology with traditional farming. Madima cultivates litchis and mangoes, distributing them across South Africa. Her farm, a family legacy known as Rembander Agribusiness, was established in 2004 and transitioned to her management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her background in business information systems and ICT project management informs her innovative approach to farming.
Madima has developed relationships with major fresh produce markets in South Africa, including City Deep in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Tzaneen, and Polokwane. Her farm's reputation for quality and direct pricing attracts buyers from regions like KwaZulu-Natal. Her produce also enters the export supply chain, maintaining high standards.
Networking plays a crucial role in her strategy. "Attending Subtrop events, they always have these gatherings… and then you get to know who is doing what. You approach them and market what you are doing. Also, the extension officers – they give advice. Where to go, who to contact. That has really helped."
Madima's previous role at MTN involved projects that integrated technology in schools, particularly for students with disabilities. This experience influences her current mission on the farm. However, transitioning to agriculture presents challenges, especially in the seasonal and capital-intensive fruit farming sector. Financial constraints during peak production periods often necessitate selling at the farm gate to generate funds for packaging materials.
Organic farming poses financial challenges due to its high initial investment and slow return. Madima has since scaled back, maintaining a small test area with plans for future expansion. Her farm now includes 25 hectares of cash crops like sugar beans and plans for pepperdews, in collaboration with another company. Diversification is essential for sustaining the farm through seasonal income fluctuations.
Madima applies her project management skills to prioritize farm operations and financial planning. Her long-term vision includes expanding into aquaponics, vegetables, and beekeeping, inspired by her father's success in avocado exports to Spain and Germany. With renewed ambition and an export licence, Madima aims to expand her farm's reach internationally.
Source: Food for Mzansi