QONCE- In the picturesque town of Qonce, a teenage entrepreneur is redefining the face of agriculture.
Owethu Kenene an 18 year old Dale College student in Qonce, has embarked on an extraordinary journey in pig farming, fueled by passion, tradition and innovation.
Growing up on his grandfather’s farm surrounded by livestock, instilled a sense of responsibility to carry on the family legacy.
At just 16 years of age on 18 November 2022, Owethu ventured into pig farming blending tradition with innovation despite lacking formal agricultural training.
“I relied on hands-on experience and my grandfather’s valuable teachings,” he explains.
While balancing school and rugby, he nurtures his entrepreneurial spirit proudly advancing the family’s agricultural tradition.
Starting with just two pigs one boar and one sow his business has flourished. Now at the age of 18, his farm boasts 28 pigs comprising 12 sows, three boars and 15 piglets.
“As a high school learner turned young farmer, I’m acutely aware of the obstacles facing our industry,” Owethu notes.
“Skyrocketing pig feed costs top the list. However, we refuse to let these challenges dampen our ambition our goal is clear: to become a renowned pig farming brand, synonymous with excellence, not just in Qonce or the Eastern Cape, but also in neighboring provinces,” he said.
With eyes set on expansion, Owethu aims to modernize operations while honoring his grandfather’s legacy.
“I want to make my family proud and prove that with hard work and determination, anything is possible,” he said.
Furthermore this young farmer’s remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of passion, tradition and innovation in shaping the future of agriculture.
Photograph: supplied
