A YOUNG FARMER’S JOURNEY
As Mr Mandlaenkosi often reminds me:
“We are building generational wealth. Good things take time”
Growing More Than Crops: A New Generation of Agriculture
My first month at Samuels Gate Farming has been an experience of learning, growth, and empowerment.
As a young female entrepreneur with no formal farming experience, stepping into agriculture could have been intimidating. Instead, it has been one of the most rewarding journeys I have embarked on. Through the support, encouragement, and guidance of the Samuels Gate Farming team, I have been given the opportunity to turn a vision into reality through a pilot agricultural project under TerraAxis Agriventures.
From the very beginning, Samuels Gate Farming gave me the benefit of the doubt. They saw potential where others may have only seen inexperience. Working side by side with them, I have never felt alone. Whether it is advice, practical assistance, equipment, or simply an extra pair of hands, support is always available. This has allowed me to focus fully on learning, building, and growing this project.
What makes this journey even more meaningful is that we are building it with resourcefulness and purpose. Much of the infrastructure used during the pilot phase has been created from recycled and repurposed materials that I sourced myself. It is a reminder that innovation does not always begin with capital, it often begins with determination, creativity, and the willingness to start.
This project represents more than crop production. It is the beginning of an agriventure a shared agricultural adventure between two small businesses with complementary strengths and a common vision. It brings together livestock farming and crop cultivation, creating the foundation for an integrated farming ecosystem where both enterprises can one day coexist and grow in harmony.
The first month has taught me that progress is not measured by speed but by consistency. As Mr Mandlaenkosi often reminds me:
“We are building generational wealth. Good things take time.”
Those words have become a guiding principle. They have taught me to slow down, to think carefully, and to focus on creating something sustainable rather than chasing quick results.
As a postgraduate entrepreneur, I could have chosen a more conventional path. The qualification is there, and it will always be there. But my passion lies in creating opportunities, building businesses, and contributing to industries that matter. My interest in agriculture began the moment I arrived in South Africa. What started as an idea gradually became a passion, and that passion has now become part of who I am.
When speaking about the future, I once responded to Mr Mandlaenkosi by saying:
“The dream is far greater than who we are.”
That dream extends beyond a single crop or a single season. It is about empowering youth, creating jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and demonstrating that agriculture remains one of the most important industries for the future of South Africa.
I represent the generation that South Africa is investing in. Having spent the first quarter of my life in Europe, I have come to appreciate something that modern life often overlooks: the importance of returning to the fundamentals. Food. Farming. Family. These are the values that sustain communities, and they are values that Samuels Gate Farming continues to uphold as a family-owned business.
Perhaps what makes this partnership so special is the shared understanding between generations. Mr Mandlaenkosi once had a passion for farming in his youth but chose a conventional corporate path. Years later, that passion brought him back to the land. One piece of advice he shared with me has stayed with me:
“Don’t be like me. Start while you’re still young. Make mistakes while you have the opportunity to recover from them. Use every platform and every support structure available to the youth. Grab those opportunities with both hands. Your degree will always be there to fall back on.”
That wisdom, combined with practical support and a shared vision, has given TerraAxis Agriventures the foundation it needs to grow.
Today, TerraAxis Agriventures is a small pilot project. Tomorrow, it may become something much greater. Whatever the future holds, it will always be rooted in the belief that all meaningful ventures begin the same way: with a dream, a willingness to learn, and someone willing to believe in your potential.
– Neo Olifant
A Young Farmer’s Journey
The Benefit of the Doubt
“As a young female entrepreneur with no formal farming experience, Samuels Gate Farming gave me something invaluable: the benefit of the doubt. They saw potential where others may have seen inexperience.”
Building Through Support
“From day one, I have never felt alone. Whether it is practical assistance, advice, or simply an extra pair of hands when needed, the support from Samuels Gate Farming has allowed me to focus entirely on building and learning.”
Sustainability in Practice
“Using recycled and repurposed materials that I sourced myself, we have begun laying the foundations of a pilot project that demonstrates how innovation, resourcefulness, and sustainability can work together.”
More Than a Farming Project
“This is more than a farming project. It is an agriventure, a shared agricultural journey built on vision, collaboration, and the belief that small beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.”
An Integrated Farming Partnership
“This partnership brings together livestock farming and crop production in a way that allows both enterprises to grow together. It is an example of how integrated farming systems can create new opportunities, diversify income streams, and strengthen rural development.”
Learning to Slow Down
“My first month has been a learning curve. The pace has been slow and steady, but that is intentional. As Mr Mandlaenkosi often says, ‘We are building generational wealth; good things take time.’”
A Return to the Fundamentals
“Having spent much of my life in Europe, I have come to appreciate the simple foundations that sustain us all: food, farming, family, and community. These are values that Samuels Gate Farming lives every day.”
Investing in Youth
“I am part of the generation that South Africa is looking to invest in. This opportunity demonstrates what can happen when young entrepreneurs are trusted, supported, and given access to resources and mentorship.”
The Dream Is Bigger Than Us
“When Mr Mandlaenkosi spoke about building generational wealth, my response was simple: ‘The dream is far greater than who we are.’ This journey is about creating something that will outlive us and benefit future generations.”
Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
“Don’t be like me. Start while you’re still young. Make mistakes while you have the opportunity to recover from them. Use the support available to the youth. Grab every opportunity with both hands. You will always have your degree to fall back on.”
— Mr Mandlaenkosi