Balungile Seku is 27 years old and grew up in the village of Mkhankatho in the Eastern Cape. Both her parents worked hard to ensure the family had what what they needed, despite the disadvantages they faced. Prayer played a significant role in the Seku household. Balungile completed her Matric in 2016 at Nomaswazi High School and later pursued a National Diploma in Farming Management at Lovedale TVET College, starting in 2019. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, engaging with her community, and learning new things.

Balungile is one of the candidates who received funding from AgriSETA as part of the Future Farmers WIL6 extension programme. We caught up with Balungile to find out more about her apprenticeship experience so far.

Q: Please can you tell us about your placement and what your job entails?

As an Agricultural Support Intern at Lima Rural Development under the Meat Naturally Project, I work with communal farmers to restore and manage their rangelands. This initiative aims to promote healthy and productive livestock through sustainable land management practices. Key aspects of the project include:

- Regulating fires to protect the land

- Developing grazing plans for optimal veld utilization

- Implementing rotational grazing for sustainable land use

- Maintaining good record-keeping practices

Additionally, our project includes auctions where farmers can sell their livestock. After deducting costs, the associations receive a profit share, which they can use to invest in resources that benefit their livestock. For example, one association used their profit share to purchase medicine for their animals, while another invested in a branding iron kit.

The project's long-term benefits also include carbon revenue payouts after three years of successful rangeland restoration. This provides a sustainable income stream for the associations, enabling them to maintain their progress and continue improving their livestock management practices.

Q: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your job so far?

The most rewarding aspect is seeing the positive impact of our project on the communal farmers and their livestock. Witnessing the farmers' associations receive their profit share and making informed decisions to invest in resources that benefit their animals is truly fulfilling.

Seeing the tangible results of our work, such as improved rangeland health and increased livestock productivity, is also highly rewarding. Knowing that our efforts are contributing to the farmers' success and sustainability is a great motivator.

I'm most proud of being able to effectively support the communal farmers in implementing sustainable rangeland management practices. Seeing the farmers understand and adopt new techniques such as rotation grazing.

I'm also proud of being able to build strong relationships with the farmers and facilitate communication between them and the project team. Being able to contribute to the project's success and witnessing the positive impact on the farmers' livelihoods has been a great source of pride for me.

Q: What have been the most challenging aspects of your work so far? And how have you dealt with them?

One of the most challenging aspects of my work has been balancing the technical aspects of rangeland management with the social and cultural context of the communal farmers. It's essential to consider the farmers' traditional practices and knowledge while introducing new techniques.

To address this challenge, I've focused on building strong relationships with the farmers, taking the time to understand their perspectives, and adapting our approach to meet their needs. I've also sought guidance from my colleagues and mentors, leveraging their expertise to find effective solutions.

Q: What advice do you have for the next generation of Future Farmers starting apprenticeships?

As someone working in agricultural development, I'd advise the next generation of future farmers starting apprenticeships to:

1. Be open-minded and willing to learn from others, including mentors, colleagues, and the farming community.

2. Develop strong relationships with experienced farmers and agricultural professionals to gain valuable insights and guidance.

3. Stay curious and keep up-to-date with the latest agricultural practices, technologies, and research.

4. Be patient, persistent, and adaptable

Most importantly, remember that farming is not just about growing crops or raising livestock; it's about building a community, preserving traditions, and contributing to food security.

To the next generation of farmers, I say: "Get your hands dirty, ask questions, and never stop learning. The future of agriculture depends on your passion, innovation, and dedication.

Q: What are your plans for the future, where is Balungile going to be in five year’s time? 

My future plans include pursuing further education to enhance my knowledge and skills. Additionally, I'm excited to embark on an entrepreneurial journey and establish my own project, which I'll have the opportunity to own and lead. This will allow me to apply my expertise and passion to drive meaningful impact and create sustainable solutions.