A new future in agriculture

Dr Obakeng Mfikwe's journey from a bustling medical practice in the hub of Johannesburg to the fertile fields of agriculture is a testament to the unforeseen paths of success. Founding KMF Farm Holdings in 2010 was a major departure from his career trajectory. Yet, today his new venture boasts five thriving farms spanning thousands of hectares. Thanks to government support, it’s also undergoing an ambitious expansion.

Although his career pivot was initially propelled by personal tragedy, with Dr Mfikwe helping on his father’s farm following the death of his brother, his dedication soon became a driving force of its own. Increasingly invigorated by days spent on the North West farm near Brits, he ultimately closed his medical practice to focus solely on agriculture.

In 2011, Dr Mfikwe was granted a pivotal opportunity: a 30-year lease for Rietfontein, a 466-hectare farm located in the town of Lichtenburg, in the heart of the maize triangle. “It was dilapidated and needed a lot of work. It took blood, sweat and tears to build it back into a fully functional farm.”

The hard work soon paid off – just a year later, Rietfontein was making a profit, producing maize and broiler chickens, as well as boasting a thriving herd of 160 stud cows. Not one to rest on his laurels, Dr Mfikwe continued to expand his knowledge of cattle farming and attended various courses, eventually qualifying as a junior cattle judge.

Today, KMF Holdings is a mixed-farming operation comprising poultry, three cattle studs and cash-crop farming of maize and sunflowers. It owns most of the 3,500 hectares of land on which it operates in Lichtenburg and the Magaliesberg.

KMF is now poised to grow into its next phase with support received through the Black Industrialists Programme. The company applied for funding to build a red-meat abattoir, a feedlot and a rendering plant. Once these facilities are operational, KMF will be able to directly supply customers, retailers, wholesalers and butchers.

All of this growth also means a boost for job creation. An expected 104 positions will be added to the current 40, primarily for farmworkers and managers.

With support from government initiatives, KMF Farm Holdings is not only realising its vision but also sowing the seeds of prosperity for the entire region.

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