Patrick Malatji - Resilience & Growth

Mahlatse Patrick Malatji, originally from Tzaneen in Limpopo, overcame significant challenges to achieve success in agriculture through resilience and determination. Despite setbacks such as an eye illness and age restrictions preventing him from completing his education, Mahlatse persisted. His journey led him to Diepsloot, Gauteng, where he discovered a growzone that sparked his interest in farming. Enrolling in the Food Security Program (FSP), Mahlatse immersed himself in agricultural training and quickly impressed program leaders with his dedication. Within a year, he became a grower, marking a turning point after years of job searching in Gauteng. His hands-on approach yielded impressive results, with an average monthly yield of 200 bunches of produce. Driven by ambition, Mahlatse expanded his operations by registering a cooperative and securing one hectare of land with support from the Department of Social Development. Despite initial challenges in securing formal market agreements, he successfully negotiated deals with Boxer in Diepsloot and a restaurant in Fourways. These partnerships now see him supplying spinach and beetroot regularly, earning an average monthly income of R10,000. Mahlatse's journey exemplifies resilience and growth, supported by ongoing education through the FSP. He continues to pursue further training with aspirations of making farming his primary livelihood, providing for his family and contributing to his community's resilience and food security.