How Mahlathini Development Foundation is changing lives in Limpopo

In the rural community of Sekororo, just outside Hoedspruit in Limpopo, a quiet transformation is underway. Subsistence farmers are discovering new hope and success by embracing environmentally-friendly, organic farming methods introduced by the Mahlathini Development Foundation—a non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting rural farmers across South Africa.

The foundation has trained over 600 farmers in Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, teaching them how to farm in ways that protect the land and boost their harvests. One such farmer, Magdeline Sekwela, shared how joining the training has changed her approach and her life.

Before, Magdeline relied on traditional ploughing with a tractor, which disturbed the topsoil and let valuable nutrients wash away into nearby rivers. Now, she nurtures her soil naturally with free-range chicken manure, which keeps the earth healthy and her vegetables fresh and tasty. “I’m able to sell my produce to my neighbors, buy food for my family, and we never go hungry,” she says. Her garden now bursts with succulent, vibrant vegetables—proof that farming can be both productive and kind to the environment.

Betty Maimela, a coordinator with the Mahlathini Development Foundation, explains the bigger picture: “Around 400 farmers in Sekororo alone have been trained in organic farming and have started their own small businesses. Our goal is to empower rural communities to sustain themselves, especially as climate change makes farming more challenging.”

Beyond healthy soil, the foundation emphasizes the conservation of precious water resources. In the hot, dry climate of Limpopo, where droughts and heat are intensifying, farmers are taught to capture rainwater using corrugated tanks. This method helps save water by reducing evaporation and ensures there’s enough moisture to keep crops thriving through tough seasons.

Thanks to this integrated approach—organic farming combined with smart water conservation—the communities served by the Mahlathini Development Foundation are building resilient livelihoods that protect the environment and secure their futures.

Contact Details:

Mahlathini Development Foundation
Tel: +27 12 345 6789
Email: info@mahlathinifoundation.org.za
Website: www.mahlathinifoundation.org.za