Siviwe Ketyana

Youth in Agriculture

Nominee's Province:
Eastern Cape

Age:
35

Project Name/Description:
Backyard Garden

More info:
https://www.facebook.com/inganathi.betela

Siviwe Ketyana, 34, is a young farmer on the rise. Shortly before the coronavirus pandemic broke out, he started a backyard garden at his home in Motherwell, Eastern Cape. He planted spinach, potatoes, beetroot and cabbage. Although he had started the garden to feed his family, he ended up supplying his produce to many of his destitute neighbours who faced hardship during the national lockdown. So, a tiny patch of land ended up providing sustenance to a community. “My garden was very helpful to some poor families after the stress and struggle of lockdown. I helped them without expecting any gain,” says Ketyana. He has since added broiler chickens to his farming project. Although currently unemployed and constantly contending with a shortage of money to grow his operation, Ketyana believes he has laid a solid foundation for a successful farming future. In fact, agriculture has long been his passion, and was his favourite subject at high school. When he failed matric, he didn’t give up. Instead, he went to an Lovedale FET College in Alice and studied Primary Agriculture for two years. “I can’t see my life without agriculture, even if I run a small project. My plan is to be a successful farmer someday and employ youth to reduce unemployment and criminal activities in the community,” he says. Ketyana encourages other young South Africans to seriously consider agriculture as a career. “Agriculture is in demand. Back in the days we used to think that agriculture was only for white people but now the government has created opportunities for young black people to venture into agriculture. Now is our chance and we must use it before it’s too late,” advises Ketyana.