Chronicle Editor
Khathutshelo Rambau
MR Ntandoyenkosi Ndhlovu, an agricultural economist and former farm manager at Beitbridge municipality, aspires to improve and revolutionise African agriculture.
The 36-year-old Boer goat stud breeder is registered with the South African Boer Goat Association and Stud Book.
Mr Ndhlovu’s 2-hectare property is situated in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng Province. He primarily used savings to launch the farm activity and now runs the Gatsheni Boer Goat brand. However, Mr Ndhlovu mentioned that financial resources are not the only consideration, stating, “sometimes the capital you need is trust, not money”.
The farm has generated two permanent positions.
In early 2021, Mr Ndhlovu rented out the property to pursue this endeavour. He initiated commercial breeding with ewes and two breeding bucks and incorporated the Lukas Burger’s bloodline to expand stud breeding operations in early 2023. The current bloodlines originate from Lukas Burger and Hein Booysen, resulting in a mix of Pablo, Escobar, Canon, Porsche, and popcorn.
Mr Ndlovu explained that the three most significant aspects of goat and sheep breeding are genetics, nutrition, and management. He emphasised that small-stock farmers must adhere to the illness and vaccination treatment calendar and ensure the shelter is well-ventilated and dry muddy areas noted, to protect animals against infections such as pneumonia during the winter.
He advises farmers to be aware of distinct body condition stages and the timing of ewe/doe breeding preparation and enzootic abortion vaccinations. For Mr Ndhlovu, farmers need to understand the concept of breeding and the technique of selecting animals with high conversion rates, growth rates, reproduction, and good length for breeding and selection.
He stressed the importance of appraising animals as they grow from weaning, which helps determine ones to maintain for breeding and those to slaughter.
Mr Ndhlovu’s target market comprises both new and experienced breeders, to whom he provides high-quality genetics. These practices strengthen their bloodlines. He supplies farmers in South Africa annually and delivers approximately 300 goats to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. Mr Ndhlovu added that goat farming has become more exciting than ever, as it brings new avenues, markets, and challenges.
He stressed the need for collaborating with fellow farmers to breed the best stock and supply more countries, noting the high demand. This collaboration extends to frequently organising seminars, engaging in marketing activities, and sharing valuable tips on social media platforms.
Exciting as it may be, this is not without challenges such as access to finances. Farming requires significant capital investment before generating profits, making it a financially intensive activity. Moreover, survival in the livestock management industry necessitates reliance on private veterinary services, which proves costly for the average farmer. Newborn goats face a high mortality risk during the rainy season from increased parasite activity and in winter from freezing temperatures.
In 2021, Mr Ndhlovu earned recognition as one of the top 20 influencers in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe. He received awards for Goat Breeder, Exporter of the Year, and Male Most Promising Entrepreneur the following year. The year 2023 was his year as he scooped several awards.
He participated in the Annual KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Royal Show in Pietermaritzburg, and one of his breeding goats came out in second place. He claimed the Farmer of the Year Award at the Matabeleland South Provincial Awards. The Continental Chapter in Tanzania honoured him as “The Pacesetter Goat Farmer of the Year”. Additionally, Mr Ndhlovu won Small Business of the Year at the Beitbridge Business Expo Corporate and People’s Choice awards.
Mr Ndhlovu operates programmes to help young people resist drug use temptations. He also trains smallholders in goat and sheep husbandry to promote increased participation in small stock production.
His advice to young and aspiring farmers emphasises the numerous opportunities in small livestock farming. He stresses the importance of identifying target markets, researching requirements, and understanding market dynamics. Mr Ndhlovu acknowledges the challenges in the farming industry but asserts that determination, thorough research, and effective use of social media for business purposes can improve one’s chances of success.
His vision for Gatsheni Boer Goat encompasses becoming a household name across Africa as a small stock and goat/sheep meat provider. He also aspires to develop the best infrastructure for a state-of-the-art learning centre focused on livestock breeding and breeding clubs.
Sourced from and recently published by Agriprenueur, a South African agriculture magazine
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