South African farmer grows business with social fund support
Tshepo Mochekgechekge expanded his crop farm from a small plot to a quarter hectare, creating jobs.
Tshepo Mochekgechekge, a 29-year-old crop farmer in Saulsville, Tshwane, has grown his business significantly after participating in the Social Employment Fund (SEF) programme. Previously relying on a student stipend, he transitioned from an informal farming interest to a registered enterprise in 2025.
The SEF programme helped Mochekgechekge develop technical and leadership skills, improving his production planning and crop management. His farm expanded from a 62 x 25 metre plot to a quarter hectare, increasing output and customers. He currently employs three seasonal workers and two part-time staff.
Despite challenges with water access requiring manual irrigation, Mochekgechekge aims to transition to commercial farming. He credits the SEF programme for providing the foundational support, estimating it contributed to 80% of his enterprise's establishment.
Why it mattersTshepo Mochekgechekge's farm expansion and job creation directly benefit the local economy in Tshwane.