Disabled people, who often suffer rejection and discrimination in the workplace, find it difficult to find employment in both the government and private sectors. Because of this the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has undertaken to promote careers within the industry to disabled people. One of the ways they are doing this is through the recent hosting of agriculture awards for people with disabilities.

“We all have talent, whether disabled or not. We must not allow people to undermine us. Disabled people have challenges, but we are still able to do make a living. We must stand up and do something for ourselves and help create job opportunities for each other,” said Mashudu Mathoho, a disabled farmer who won the award last year for being the best performing disabled farmer in Vhembe.

Mathoho, who is wheelchair-bound, is a farmer who produces maize meal, chickens and pigs. She encouraged her fellow disabled farmers and those hoping to start out not to rely on their disability grants but to stand up and do something for themselves.

Effort and passion

“Farming can be done by everyone if one puts in enough effort and passion. People out there are supportive. In the agricultural industry, they are a lot of opportunities where one can grow and become a successful business person,” said Mathoho.

Some of the main objectives of the awards are: to encourage and increase participation of women with disabilities in agriculture; to empower individuals, and cooperatives owned by persons with disabilities through food security; job creation; economic growth and poverty alleviation.

The Vhembe District Municipality has classified agriculture is the number one sector in terms of income generation in the district economy.

For us to be able to succeed, we have to work together and help one another. Even able-bodied people must not look down on us, as we are all important to society.

Executive Mayor Florence Radzilani said the district was committed to empowering disabled people through agriculture.

Disabled farmer Chill-boy Rathando, well-known in the area, pleaded with disabled considering becoming farmers to ask for assistance if they are struggling to get their businesses off the ground.

“For us to be able to succeed, we have to work together and help one another. Even able-bodied people must not look down on us, as we are all important to society,” said Rathando.

This year the overall top award went to Nwa-Matshenga Poultry Farm, which is run by a group of disabled villagers in Makhado. They walked away with a cheque for R10 000.