Eighteen-year-old Selby Khakhu, from Khomele in the Nzhelele area, has become a source of inspiration and hope for many unemployed and discouraged young people in the region, all because he decided to venture into farming.
Currently a Grade 9 learner at Masereni Secondary School in Khomele, Selby dedicates his time to farming with indigenous, broiler, and free-range chickens, as well as indigenous cattle. His journey to becoming a successful farmer did not come easily. In 2019, at the age of 13, he began with just two chickens. Over the next four years, with endurance, dedication, determination, and countless hours of hard work, he has developed his own fully fledged poultry- and cattle-farming enterprise.
Initially, Selby faced difficulties as the local traditional leader did not grant him a piece of land to start his farming project. However, undeterred, he made use of his family's yard to get his farming venture underway, and through sheer perseverance, he has made his farming sustainable.
Now, Selby has two chicken sheds and sells up to 300 chickens per month, in addition to owning more than 20 cattle. Providing for his family has become a reality, and he is grateful for the support he receives from the local communities. He envisions creating at least five jobs in two years and dreams of owning a larger poultry and cattle farm in the future.
Selby is eager to focus on marketing his farming to attract more clients and change his life further. He expresses his gratitude for the help he has received from people all over the country and mentions that other farmers are willing to mentor him. Selby is filled with joy and encourages other young people to follow in his footsteps.