Magqhogo Farm, located in the Tugela Valley beside the river, is a remarkable success story. Although this area has the potential to excel in agriculture, the community faced years of struggles to grow food successfully. That changed when Rev Erlo Stegen, a missionary from a neighbouring successful farm, reached out to them and taught them how to cultivate food for themselves and others. With a year since Rev Stegen's passing, it is fitting to honour his incredible legacy by celebrating the fruits of his life’s work, which has helped millions and will continue to inspire future generations. This legacy reflects the extraordinary growth and countless blessings from the community's dedicated efforts.
Magqhogo is just one aspect of Rev Erlo’s remarkable impact. Situated in rural areas near Kranskop, it is about a 45-minute drive from the KwaSizabantu Mission, the self-sustainable mission station established by Rev Stegen. The farm and its community offer inspiring stories and insights into the generous spirit of the missionary. Land managed by Canadian missionaries in the 1980s was provided to Rev Stegen around 2009. The Canadians had worked the farm for several years with limited success. They requested that he take over the management while teaching the locals how to farm based on the successful practices of KwaSizabantu. At that time, the Magqhogo land was virgin and untouched.
Peet Simonis interviewed Rev Stegen about ten years ago (the video is still available under the title, Magqopo Kwasizabantu Mission Tugela Valley). Rev Stegen shared that when he first arrived in the area, he found only thorn trees, goats, and a few cattle. He told the community, "This is a paradise. You have everything you need to succeed in farming, but you are the poorest of the poor. You can change it."
Initially, the community was sceptical, asserting they had unsuccessfully planted fruit trees and vegetables. The harsh environment, constant droughts, and lack of job opportunities made it difficult for locals to earn a decent living or farm successfully to meet their needs. Rev. Stegen agreed to take over the farm and provided the infrastructure (such as electricity), and they began cleaning up the area together.
Not long after he took over management, they harvested papayas and pineapples while testing different plants and trees. Community gardens were developed collaboratively, and avocado and Moringa trees were planted for the community's benefit. KwaSizabantu supported them by offering seedlings, fertiliser, water, and essential training.
As local farm owners witnessed the progress, they requested assistance and offered land in exchange. Today, Magqhogo spans many hectares of diverse fruit trees, including many hectares of dragon fruit, mangoes, lychees, and pomegranates. Around 25 additional hectares remain available for planting, and more than 50 hectares in Ntsongeni are under irrigation. Grass and lucerne are baled to support the local communities' feeding their animals.
Hundreds of households now benefit from the successful farming initiatives, which provide employment, skills development, and training. A government official once remarked during a visit to the farm, "This is a win-win situation where the community and farm owners work together for sustainable farming that benefits all stakeholders."
To learn more about the work of Rev. Erlo Stegen, follow this link: https://online.pubhtml5.com/asxvv/xzrv/. You can also watch a related video here: https://youtu.be/P9p_jRpJb71?si=8jTqK873hVh1ugb2/.
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