By Mbali Vilakati
MBABANE – Meet Mgwagwanana Masina.
He is in his 70s and his life changed because of COVID-19.
He used to run a taxi business that was doing well until lockdown due to COVID-19. Because of travel restrictions caused by the pandemic, his business started trembling as fewer people needed rides.
Masina told this publication that he was among the many Emaswati who were forced by circumstances to adapt to the new reality.
He started banana farming to sustain himself and his family.
Despite having challenges in the beginning such as unpredictable weather patterns and pest infestations near the river where his farm is located, he says his resilience and determination fueled his journey from taxi owner to successful banana farmer. “ I had to find means to sustain myself and my family,” said Masina.
Masina’s bananas are now famous for being tasty and good quality. His farm gives him a steady income and loyal customers. Even though farming is quieter than driving taxis, Masina loves it. “ I love farming although it is much quiet than taxis,” said Masina.
Masina says looking forward he dreams of integrating advanced agricultural technologies like genetic engineering for disease-resistant banana varieties and automated irrigation systems to optimize water usage.
Masina’s transformation from taxi owner to a thriving banana farmer highlights his resilience and also underscores the potential for new opportunities that emerge from challenging circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic.
