By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Moosa Chiboo, affectionately known as Uncle Moosa, is a respected figure in the farming community of Randfontein and the surrounding areas. With over 51 years of experience, he began his farming journey in the harsh conditions of Apartheid South Africa. Despite the challenges, Uncle Moosa holds no grudges and is a unifying figure. Known for his straightforwardness, he is now dedicated to mentoring the next generation of farmers, driven by a deep commitment to ensuring food security for the future. Joined by his sons, Uncle Moosa’s mission is clear: to help South Africa stand strong in its ability to feed itself, today and for generations to come.
How did your journey as a farmer begin?
I grew up on our family farm in the North West, which was held under a proxy. However, as non-whites, we couldn’t own land. We had to apply for annual permits just to live there. Without one, we risked being arrested. It wasn’t until 1990, after Mandela’s release, that laws began to change, and by 1992, opportunities finally opened up. In 1970, after finishing matric, I returned to the farm, where my father ran a general dealer business. Despite his protests that farming wasn’t for us, I decided to pursue it. At the time, only white farmers were allowed to farm. Fortunately, some white farmers who opposed segregation helped my brother and me to start on a small scale. In 1978, when I applied to a farming corporation in Koster to buy inputs, my application was rejected because I was not white. Thankfully, farmers who bought groceries from our shop supported us by purchasing fertiliser on our behalf.
What motivated you to become a farmer?
Back in the day farming was more profitable as input costs were much lower than today. I farmed cash crops with my brother before moving into seasonal vegetables. We used flood irrigation, but were still able to make good profits. Even 30 to 40 hectares was enough to make a decent living, unlike today. We used to load our vegetables onto the railway every night, sending them to the fresh produce market in Carr street and Cafe owners would come at night. Those days, money had value.
When did you become a commercial farmer?
I started farming on my family’s small piece of land, but it wasn’t enough. To expand, I began leasing farms from white farmers in the mid-80s, which helped me transition into commercial farming. Their support was instrumental in my success.
In the 90s, I aimed even bigger, buying and selling land until I secured property with
sufficient water. Farming without water is risky, as it depends on the weather. To reduce this risk, I invested in an irrigation system with water rights ensuring year-round farming . We diversified into cash crops, maize, sugar beans, soya beans, sorghum, and sunflower. Eventually, I introduced cattle farming and established a feedlot, though we now operate on a smaller scale.
What are the challenges that you faced as a commercial farmer who did not own
land?
Owning my land eliminated rental costs and increased my profitability. Fortunately, land was affordable at the time. I started by buying smaller farms, improving them, and selling at a better price. I continued this process until I acquired irrigation farms, where I run my operations.
Is bigger always better in farming?
I owned a 4 600-hectare cattle farm in the North West, but drought left us without crops for two to three years. With no water and grazing, I was forced to sell the farm in 2010. In 2007, I purchased my current land, which spans 450 hectares, with 150 hectares under irrigation.
Has farming been easy for you with the democratic government in charge?
Our democratic government has been disappointing. Government support for farmers needs to be more effective. I’m mentoring a woman who has land and seed but no tractor to plant. Without proper assistance, how is she expected to succeed? I helped her plant this season, but what about next year? This lack of support sets farmers up for failure. Farming has also become very expensive. Unfortunately, as farmers, we are price takers, not price makers, we have no control over what we earn for our produce.
What are the key challenges facing farmers today?
We are a diverse group of farmers facing major challenges, particularly with Eskom.
Power cuts prevent us from irrigating, forcing us to invest in solar energy to avoid
significant losses. Natural disasters also take a toll. In 2023, floods submerged a third of my farm, destroying all my wheat. The previous year, we had a drought. Unfortunately, we can only insure against hail and fire, and not floods or drought. These are risks we must accept as acts of God. Security is another major concern, especially stock theft. I employ four security guards, but with 450 hectares to cover, it’s impossible to prevent theft entirely. People brazenly harvest our crops, and the police only respond once everything is gone. We’ve also faced vandalism, with criminals cutting cables and stealing motors from our pivots, affecting all farmers in the area. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to securing the country’s food supply and continue farming.
What are the top three mistakes that new farmers make, and how can they avoid
them?
Many young farmers approach me after studying at institutions like Stellenbosch, but they often have unrealistic expectations. They want to farm but have no land or financial backing, relying solely on theory and waiting for municipalities to allocate land. I tell them: farming is a business. You wouldn’t expect a dealership to sell you a car if you couldn’t afford the fuel—why should farming be any different?
As a strategic partner on the rural development and land reform database, I mentor young and emerging farmers. I’ve successfully guided farmers in the North West who are now commercial farmers because they had the right attitude and did the work. However, many new farmers expect instant success. Some have land but lack equipment and cash flow. They receive assistance, such as cattle, but without a solid plan, they end up selling them and are left with nothing.
How do you ensure that your legacy as a farmer carries on?
My sons joined the business, with my eldest farming alongside me for 22 years. Another one focuses on the administration and financial side of the business. The youngest one studied IT, but he joined the business and took a course in tunnel farming. He is now xploring cannabis cultivation.
What are you most grateful for?
I have been in the industry for 51 years and at 73, I’m semi-retired and I’m letting the younger generation take over. Through all the ups and downs, I remain grateful for my health—because, at the end of the day, good health is true wealth.
