Masimbonge Vuma

Born in the small town of Cala in the Eastern Cape, Masimbonge Vuma’s journey to agriculture began on his uncle’s tractor. Inspired by those early days in Ncorha village helping prepare fields, he later pursued mechanical engineering at Nelson Mandela University, where he developed critical problem-solving skills. After graduation, he returned home and co-founded an agricultural co-operative. In 2022, he launched his own agricultural business. Masimbonge, 28, is the founder of Sahaba Holdings and a training associate at Meat Naturally, which partners with communal farmers to restore degraded rangelands. His days start before sunrise and span everything from livestock care to crop inspection and machinery maintenance. He balances physical labour with planning, budgeting and administration. One of his proudest moments was receiving funding from the National Youth Development Agency to expand and diversify operations. He also has an advanced diploma in agricultural management. He believes young lead- ers must champion inclusive development, entrepreneurship and drive community-focused change. He would call on policymakers for investment in small-scale farming, youth training and rural infrastructure.

• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Nelson Mandela University
• Advanced diploma in Agricultural Management, Nelson Mandela University

• A a farmer, was completing a qualification in agriculture, which provided the knowledge and skills to pursue a passion for farming. Building on this foundation, successful crop yields have been achieved through innovative techniques and sustainable practices, boosting productivity and developing an efficient, environmentally responsible approach.
• Expanding farm operations to increase output and access new markets, diversifying the customer base and increasing revenue. Receiving funding from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) was a game-changer, providing essential resources to grow and scale operations. These experiences have taught valuable lessons about adaptability, resilience and the power of community building. Staying competitive means embracing new technologies and techniques, managing risks such as weather fluctuations and market uncertainty, and building strong relationships with customers and partners. Active engagement with local communities has helped to establish a loyal customer base and position the farm as a trusted source of fresh, high-quality produce

I deeply admire my mother, who, despite never having a formal education, made incredibly wise and calculated decisions in raising my siblings and me. Her teachings and guidance have had a profound impact on my life, shaping me into the person I am today. I look up to her because of her resilience, resourcefulness and unwavering dedication to our family. Her influence has taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance and the value of education, even in the face of adversity. She is my role model and I am forever grateful for the lessons she has imparted to me.