Mondi South Africa: A Company Provides Business Support and Financial Management Skills to Local Farmers

A global packaging and paper group company called Mondi South Africa has launched an empowerment scheme that would help local farmers in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the company, small and medium-sized companies (SMMEs) in the farming sector will also be included in the project, with plans to expand into other regions.

More than 122 aspiring farmers have been enrolled in an intensive training curriculum called Mondi Zimele’s Agriculture (SMME) programme. This programme will teach them how to manage their businesses and be financially savvy.

Nelly Ndlovu, general manager of Mondi, said, “This group includes 17 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), comprising of 11 cooperatives and six individual farmers [who also received seedlings].”

The programme is the business development division of Mondi South Africa,

Ndlovu recently told BizCommunity, and it has benefited hundreds of people in the coastal province.

“Over 1,098 households have benefited,” she said, adding that since the program’s inception, about 320 permanent and seasonal jobs have been created, bringing in almost R2 million in revenue.

The company claims that this programme is concentrated on the areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal and Zululand, where Mondi and SiyaQhubeka Forests (SQF) operate, but there are plans to expand to other nearby areas as well.

“Mondi sees agriculture as a vehicle for economic freedom,” Ndlovu stated.

Mondi Zimele provided Bongile Bho, of Bongile Bho Trading and Projects, “with knowledge to be the independent farmer” that she is today.

Bho used to sell her produce at the neighbourhood bus stops; these days, she supplies Food Lovers Market and Spar.

According to Sifiso Nkwanyana of Dokodweni Farming, Mondi Zimele assisted him in digging a borehole for his farm, which presently provides fresh food to Pick ‘n Pay and Spar.

“This facilitation of formal markets, with exceptional support from local retailers, fresh produce markets and a vision of formalising supply partnerships with food manufacturers has been a critical success factor,” Ndlovu said.

“All farmers have experienced exponential growth and are afforded equal opportunities to supply some of South Africa’s largest retailers.”

Additionally, professional business training is provided to them.

This programme has been very beneficial to the Fakude family, who own and operate Mtolo Farming and Produce in KwaMthethwa. Prior to starting this business, they mentioned that they lacked networking opportunities and training.

“When we wanted to grow and acquire the information and knowledge we needed to help maintain our business and make sure it supplies what customers need, Mondi Zimele helped us.”

Editor’s note: More than 122 aspiring farmers have been enrolled in an intensive training curriculum called Mondi Zimele’s Agriculture (SMME) programme. This programme will teach them how to manage their businesses and how to be financially savvy.

Description: A global packaging and paper group company called Mondi South Africa has launched an empowerment scheme that would help local farmers in KwaZulu-Natal. Over 1,098 households have benefited from this programme.

Editor: Thato Mahlangu

Project manager: Do4SA