BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
BUHLENI – The story of the Good Samaritan did not end thousands of years ago in the Bible, it lives on today in the hills of Buhleni, at Mkhuzweni, where a young farmer, Celucolo Mahlalela from Dvokolwako continues to chase his dream because of the kindness of one man.
That man is Satis Khumalo, a former nurse at Mkhuzweni Clinic who is now based in England and also pursues music. Years ago, Khumalo extended a helping hand by providing Mahlalela with vital farming resources, seeds, irrigation equipment, and even a small tractor.
His support went beyond material help, he gave Mahlalela the encouragement to keep going, even when giving up seemed easier.
Mahlalela, who also works on contract with the non-governmental organization Voluntary Councillor VCT as an HIV Expect Client, began farming in 2017 after helping to clear land for Khumalo. Then Khumalo came up with the idea that they should utilize the land by farming. What started as a simple idea became a serious pursuit by 2019, when Mahlalela dedicated himself fully to agriculture.
Today, his greatest challenge is the lack of permanent land. Mahlalela dreams of securing land with access to water so he can expand production, grow more crops, and supply larger institutions such as NAMBoard and major retail stores like Boxer and Pick n Pay. He believes that achieving this would not only stabilize his own future but also create opportunities for others.
“Even when I felt like walking away, Khumalo reminded me that challenges should not stop me. He has always pushed me to continue farming,” Mahlalela said with gratitude.
His story offers a powerful message for young people in Eswatini. Farming, he says, is not just for survival,it can be a path to financial independence, food security, and community development.
With determination and the right support, agriculture can provide a dignified living and open doors that many youth never imagined.
To support you can contact him at 79516502/ 76525050
(Courtesy Pics)
