Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Naledi Sikhakhane
Published on 2024-02-21 17:43:36
Nompumelelo Msomi, a 38-year-old entrepreneur from Emalangeni, Hammarsdale, faced a series of challenges that led to the destruction of her egg and chicken business. The main obstacles she encountered were the soaring prices of chicken feed, the outbreak of bird flu, and difficulties in local service delivery. These factors combined to create a difficult environment for Msomi to sustain her business and support her family.
In response to these challenges, Msomi became one of eight participants in a program initiated by the Hammarsdale Cato Ridge Development Association (HCRDA) and Dynamic Automation. This program provided Msomi and the other participants with egg incubators capable of hatching 49 eggs at a time, along with training sessions held in Hammarsdale, located 30 minutes from Pietermaritzburg. The training aimed to equip aspiring egg farmers with the necessary skills to succeed in the industry.
HCRDA’s Chief Executive Officer, John White, emphasized the importance of collaboration in overcoming the overwhelming challenges faced by individual entrepreneurs like Msomi. The association’s goal is to promote Hammarsdale and Cato Ridge as attractive places for investment, work, and residence, thereby fostering growth, employment, and transformation in the region. With over 60 member companies spanning various industries, HCRDA seeks to create a supportive environment for local businesses.
For Msomi, the training and equipment provided through the program are invaluable assets that will help speed up egg production and reduce costs associated with buying chicks. As someone who relies on her egg and chicken business as her primary source of income to support her family, Msomi is optimistic about the potential for growth and expansion that the program offers.
Another participant in the program, Kathy Barnard, shared similar aspirations for her free-range egg business. With the support of the egg incubator, Barnard aims to increase her chicken population and explore new opportunities like selling guinea fowl chicks. Despite facing challenges like infrastructure issues and poaching in her community, Barnard remains focused on identifying market gaps and expanding her business.
Both Msomi and Barnard envision a future where their businesses thrive and make a positive impact on their communities. By leveraging the resources and training provided through programs like the one offered by HCRDA and Dynamic Automation, these entrepreneurs are hopeful about realizing their dreams of establishing successful ventures that benefit both themselves and those around them.
Although the area where Msomi and Barnard operate has established brands and businesses, it still grapples with issues like inadequate service delivery, poverty, and unemployment. Despite these challenges, entrepreneurs like Msomi and Barnard are determined to overcome obstacles and make a difference in their respective industries. Through collaboration and support from organizations like HCRDA and Dynamic Automation, these entrepreneurs are paving the way for a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
