By Xolani Motsa
MBABANE – Two agricultural entrepreneurs, who are sibling, are asking for help from willing members of the public to help them get a vehicle that will make it possible for them to distribute vegetables to their customers.
Leta Magagula (28) and his brother Majaha (Sotja) Magagula (26), who reside in Mpolonjeni (KaMasuku), under Motshane Inkhundla, in the Hhohho Region, say they want the vehicle because they have since relaised that their customer base was growing and they needed to serve them efficiently to grow even more.
The two run a vegetable market business that their mother established three decades ago (around 1994) at age of seventeen. The market was founded to provide for family and educate her children as a single mother, the business continues under their care. The mother has since retired due to the challenges posed by the fact that she has become old. She decided to leave the business to his two youthful sons.
The business started on the road between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services (ENFES). However, the vegetable business later relocated to the heart of the city (the Mbabane Bus Rank, where it thrived and gained popularity among the locals. Although the siblings initially assisted their mother by selling plastic bags, she was one of the pioneering women granted permission to sell in town at that time.
When asked about their inspiration to carry on, Leta mentioned the enduring courage and resilience they inherited from their mother, who demonstrated remarkable patience and perseverance. Their resolve is fueled by the legacy of fortitude she has passed down to them. Reflecting on the challenges they faced, Majaha shared that obstacles were ever-present, but maintaining a positive outlook was key. They acknowledged the fluctuations in customer traffic, noting that while some days could be slow, the month-end rush saw a surge in support from loyal customers. By staying optimistic and steadfast, they navigated the challenges and honoured the enduring spirit of their mother in sustaining the family business.
Their dreams extend to owning a compact vehicle, facilitating efficient transportation of their goods from suppliers to customers. This envisioned asset is not only aimed at streamlining operations but also at enabling them to offer products at competitive prices to meet the demands of their customer base. This ambition stems from the challenges they currently encounter when travelling to procure vegetables, reflecting their unwavering dedication to their entrepreneurial goals.
The majority of their clientele consists of young individuals, serving as inspiration for other buyers to witness youth actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. Looking ahead, these entrepreneurs envision the future of their business. Their aspiration includes owning a bustling vegetable market alongside their brother, sharing their journey to encourage others not to lose hope in pursuing similar ventures.
In regions where agricultural skills are lacking, vegetable buyers often face challenges. It is crucial to empower young individuals with agricultural knowledge to reduce reliance on vegetable imports from neighbouring countries, according to the entrepreneurs. They stated that by increasing local production, the prices of vegetables could be stabilised, rather than being inflated due to transportation costs and associated taxes. They also called upon Government to support agricultural entrepreneurs, as this is vital in encouraging youth involvement in cultivating vegetables on available land, thereby decreasing overall costs of importing the vegetables, which they are currently doing.
The entrepreneurs are of the view that it is imperative to integrate the youth into agriculture to foster self-sufficiency and economic stability. They also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Municipal Council of Mbabane in structuring and enhancing market operations, stating that this could be helpful in improving businesses trading within the town. They stated that they acknowledged the problem people faced in running their businesses in the capital city, but they expressed hope that such challenges would be addressed, as time went on.
The entrepreneurs are also calling upon individuals with degrees, diplomas, certificates, and unique talents to leverage their skills in entrepreneurial ventures, especially in agriculture, as this sector was very important in providing food to the nation.