By Songeziwe Mapukata
At the age of 14, Bulela Wili is the youngest stock farmer in Eluxolweni as he heads up the family’s stock farming business while juggling his studies at Masixole High School.
His late father, who passed away last year, had been teaching him the tricks of the trade from the tender age of seven.
“I had some lessons I learnt from my dad but my favourite is respect for people,” said Willi to Scrolla.Africa.
His stock includes sheep, goats and chickens. The grade 9 learner on the family’s delights in taking care of all stock and running the family business.
When he was younger, Wili’s father took him with him when he attended to his clients. During these meetings, his father modelled the day-to-day running of the business. To this day, the skills he learned continue to help him run the business.
“I learnt business skills including negotiation,” he said.
“Along my journey, I have met people who expect me to sell our stock at low prices. They buy then come back days later claiming that I have charged too much and they will rather go somewhere else.”
Such encounters continue to baffle the young farmer.
“Why do they take the animal home in the first place if they’ll come back dissatisfied with pricing later?” the youngster asked.
Wili’s family often pitch in to help when he is at school.
His older sister, Sinoxolo Wili describes him as a quiet individual with an inquisitive streak who was very close to his father.
“I think in some ways he runs the farm so beautifully as a way to honour our father. He wants the business to be successful more than ever,” she said.
There were about 40 sheep in their stock that he sold in December last year within a week. Five cows were also sold. The most in-demand are the goats and often he outsources chickens.
Pictured above: Bulela Wili at his farm
Image source: Supplied
