By Palesa Matlala
- Bab’Fakude, 76, retired and bought land in Eikenhof, where he now grows vegetables to sell to neighbours at half price.
- Fakude sells large leaf spinach for R10 per bunch. The same spinach sells for R15 to R20 in the township.
Bab’Fakude, 76, bought a piece of land in Eikenhof after he retired and began growing vegetables for his family of five.
“The soil was fertile and produced good vegetables,” Fakude said.
His crops grew well, but his family could not eat everything he harvested. The produce began to spoil.
So Fakude decided to start selling to his neighbours. He sells spinach, beetroot, onion, tomato and potatoes for R50 per combo.
He charges R10 for a bunch of large leaf spinach. The same spinach costs between R15 and R20 in the township.
“When I set those prices I didn’t think I would attract so many people,” Fakude said.
Word spread quickly and more people began buying from him. Customers now come from Walkerville, Kibler Park, Jackson Informal Settlement and surrounding areas.
For Fakude, small-scale farming is not about making a profit. He says he has no choice but to keep prices low.
“I harvest more than I can store,” he said.
Most of his customers are farm workers who live near his home. Many in the area face unemployment and limited job opportunities.
“I know that farm workers don’t make a lot of money, so I am happy with these prices,” he said.
Families in the area also order from Fakude when they have funerals.
“Some of them just want pap and spinach for the night and my prices remain the same,” Fakude said.
Pictured above: Farm produce.
Image source: Supplied
