MONDLIS PRIMARY CO-OP
| Business Location: | Rural area - Farms |
| Province | Mpumalanga |
| Branch: | Bushbuckridge |
| Business Start Date: | |
| Busniess Type: | Co-operative |
Business Dynamics and Challenges
Business Activities:
Mondlis Agricultural Co-operative limited was registered as a co-operative in 2020 with five founding members/directors. The intention is to farm 24 ha land in the Mkhuhlu area, which 3 members of the co-op inherited from their late forefathers (Mnisi clan). They currently use quarter portion of the farm for vegetable farming (mainly cabbage, butternut, onions and chilies). The produce is sold at Local supermarkets.
The co-operative does not have a tractor, they hire a tractor (for which they pay approximately R800 per session) and in addition must pay for seeds, seedlings, fertilizers and chemicals. There is a borehole and equipment on the property. At the moment the farm is drawing water from the Hoxane river and have water rights to do so and the pumping machine is so small to pump the needed water capacity. The farm currently makes use of furrowing, but this causes soil erosion.
The members have had a formal training in farming. The members of the co-op are also members of the Local agricultural scheme formed to assist local farmers with farming skills and anything that would benefit local farmers.
Challenges/Needs:
• Lack of financial management skills,
• Lack of business management skills,
• Lack of capital to develop the business and
• Limited business exposure and
• Limited farming inputs.
Intervention Insights and Results
Intervention Details:
• Business management skills training.
• Co-operative management training.
• Development of a business plan.
• Training in quality management system.
• Referral to Seda Asset Assist to access farming input and
• Mentorship and coaching in business management.
• Co-operative management training.
• Development of a business plan.
• Training in quality management system.
• Referral to Seda Asset Assist to access farming input and
• Mentorship and coaching in business management.
Outcome Details:
• The client received a grant from Seda Co-operative development support programme to the amount of R475 852.52. The money was used to procure seedlings, chemicals, manure and a mobile packhouse (12 mitre steal container)
• Sustained five permanent jobs.
• Turnover increased from R250,000 to R265,000.
• Sustained five permanent jobs.
• Turnover increased from R250,000 to R265,000.
Client Feedback
Client Comments:
“Many government officials came with empty promises, we thank Seda for their support.”
