Mr F.J Sibeko is from Kalkoen Krans in Amersfoort in Gert Sibande District. He is well known for his interest in uplifting emerging farmers and the youth, especially graduates. During the week, his farm is full of graduates and community members who have an interest in agriculture, and aspirant farmers. The farmer goes an extra mile just to offer trainings to graduates and the community. At his own expense, Sibeko organizes training through institutions like Grain SA, ARC, Reprovet Reproductive Services.
His strong character and determination to youth development has led him to construct his own implements, and he has taught the local youth to do so as well. He has built his own dam and watering troughs as part of the infrastructure needed to run his farm. Skills transfer to the youth is his priority as it uplifted the standard of living for people around his farm.
Most of the time the farmer take orphans from the HIV-affected families to benefit on the farm by giving them temporary employment over the weekends, so that they can make a living with the money they get.
Mr Sibeko says he is living his dream, the one he had while still a little boy of becoming a commercial farmer who produces and exports his produce. His dream has made him to share his knowledge and experience to help other farmers to become commercial farmers, and to cope with challenges ahead of them.
It was for this reason that Mr. Sibeko was once honoured as an overall winner during the Premiers Service Excellence Award competition that was held in Secunda. The competition was to encourage farmers to assist other farmers and to excel on what they do. During the competition, Sibeko’s prize included R30 000 which he committed to ensuring youth development.
“I hope that this award serves as a motivation to other farmers and to the youth out there, that nothing is impossible. If we grow and be successful as farmers, our economy grows as well”. said Sibeko with a smile.
His plans are to continue assisting postgraduate students and the youth with more training facilities in all agricultural fields. He believes that by 2020 the country will be food secured and export local product.