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To ensure that pallets don’t end up as pollution in landfills, an entrepreneur started a circular business model. The business supplies pallets to farmers during harvest season and also sells refurbished pallets to companies that repair and recycle them. The agriculture sector needs pallets in great numbers during harvest and to cater to this growing demand, Josiah Langa started Metja Pallet Suppliers. “We supply an average of at least 3 000 pallets per farmer during harvest time, and usually this isn’t enough to satisfy demand,” said Josiah. When he first considered setting up his small business in 2017, his aim was to sell firewood, so it doesn’t end up as pollution. Whilst selling firewood, he realized he could create other income streams from wood. “I changed my business model after I saw there is a high demand for pallets,” he said. After changing the business model, the business started supplying pallets to clients in Polokwane and it wasn’t long before they received pallet orders from farmers across Limpopo. Circular business model to ensure pallets don’t go to landfills. Metja Pallet Suppliers also sells refurbished pallets to companies that repair and recycle them for DIY projects. Pallets that are no longer reusable are sold as firewood. This increases the life span of the pallets and ensures they don’t end up as pollution in landfills. This business is making a massive contribution in the environmental and sustainability sector. He is also working on creating a buyback service where he will buy pallets that are no longer suitable for use in the agricultural industry but are still sturdy enough to support other work. Josiah explains that this will benefit clients because they will receive a discount on new purchases. SMEs need to reduce their carbon footprint The Seshego based business is following in the footsteps of international circular companies that are serious about reducing their carbon footprint . The SME Climate Impact Report found that in 2021, South Africa’s SMEs contributed an estimated total of 61 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from sources they own or control. SMEs are encouraged to reduce their carbon footprint by implementing a waste reduction policy that will help to track and audit their waste. By ensuring all their pallets are recycled or reused, the business is reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to decreasing land pollution. High demand for pallets According to Josiah, Metja Pallet Supplies is the only pallet supplier in Limpopo, and there is a high demand for pallets; he even receives orders from other provinces. “One of the greatest challenges facing business right now is being able to keep up with demand, it’s a good problem to have,” said Business Mentor Simon Mahlabe Ramonyai. The possibilities with pallets are endless and the business plans to establish a manufacturing facility to customize pallets according to customers’ requirements. “In this way, we’re able to provide a spectrum of services throughout the entire lifespan of the pallet,” concluded Josiah.

This article is directed to every African child who is in difficult circumstance and lost hope of life. We decided to turn the tables by visiting a home of one of Rise Africans Newspaper top reader. As human beings, we all go through tough times and need a shoulder to cry on or share our stories so that we can heal. Mabu Francina Mohlasedi (35) was born and bred at a place called Nobody, Ga Mothiba, close to Mankweng, Limpopo Province in South Africa. She went to Mamahlo Primary, Dikolobe Primary, Marobathota High School, M-Tech and Capricorn TVET College. She told us her difficulties of raising 7 children on her own! “My mother left when I was 9 years, together with my sister and went to complete her education at Turfloop. We had to follow her, and she had 3 boys whom I grew up with as my brothers. Luckily, I got a job and was able to assist her as she was struggling. In 2017, she passed on and that was the worst time of my life, but I chose to remain strong for the boys, take over and raise them as my kids though I was young and inexperienced”, she said. Moving forward, Francian’s life became worse as she currently has 4 kids of her own, which means she is now having to look after 7 children alone. Her job contract ended in 2021 and life got harder. “I wanted to give up many times, I lost strength to a point where I got sick, and everyone thought I was dying but kept fighting knowing that if I give up then the whole family will suffer as they only have me on their side. Trust me, there was no one to help me and even now I realized that they need me more than anything in this world. I kept my faith and strength for them. Its not an easy journey but one must carry on till the destiny. Life is a journey no matter the challenge, keep breathing and keep moving”, she added. The struggle is real and stressful more especially if one is unemployed and have no one to share the burden. Francina said that she is always someone who is willing to assist everyone going through difficult circumstances and consider herself as a mother, sister, and friend to all people around her community. She shared some wonderful pictures of all 7 children and fortunately they are growing up nicely and healthy. “Your happiness can only be created by you and never be afraid to start over, we fall, we rise, we get up and move on!”, she concluded. Rise Africans Newspaper is very proud of her, and hope Francina story will motivate all our readers who lost hope of life or are going through a lot.

Moving on with our Rising Star feature and today we have our Rising Star no: 183! Another great time to celebrate a young guy who have been in the industry for a long time. He performed in massive events; his songs have been played in big radio stations and featured on biggest TV channels. Kholofelo Baldwin Hlongwane was born on the 17th November in 1994 in Mookgophong, Limpopo Province in South Africa. Baldwin Kay, as popularly known, is a song- writer and entrepreneur. “I feel honoured to get this wonderful opportunity. I started making music as a rapper during my school days with a group called Mookgophong Theatre of Arts and Culture. I then bought my first acoustic guitar back in 2012 and fell in love with African Pop Music. I have performed in big events such as Mapungubwe Jazz Festival, Mozambique Tour, National indigenous games, Limpopo Music Awards and Sepedi Music Awards, Energy fm 3rd Birthday, to name a few”, he said. Sharing his opinion about South African music industry, Baldwin Kay said if only music industry can fully form part of the economy then all the talents will be exposed. “Every artist will most likely have a chance because they will be active in the industry”, continued Baldwin Kay. The talented African Pop has managed to scoop several awards like “Best Sepedi Afro Pop Artist”, “Best collaboration in Limpopo Music Awards” and “Best Live Performer in Modi – Mookgophong Awards”. He was also featured on TV show named “Real housewives of Johannesburg season 2”, “South African Heritage Golden Shield Awards (SABC 2)”, Thobela fm and lot… “My message to all upcoming artists is to have a patience, take time to sharpen your craft because it will be your sword to fight with once you are up and running. Make more research and learn the chain of music business to avoid finding yourself caught up in the crossfire”, he concluded. Rise Africans Newspaper is very proud to have such a wonderful talent. Hope lot of youngsters will learn a lot from him and wish him all the best. Bookings can be done: Call – 064 631 1067 | Facebook: Balwin Kay Music | Twitter: Baldwinkaymusic | Instagram: baldwinkay5 | email: baldwintheacoustica@gmail.com / balafricamnp@mail.com

The week-long KwaSizabantu Youth Conference started on Wednesday, 28 June and by Thursday evening the next day over 4,000 youngsters and children were registered to attend. The highlight of the Thursday sessions was the special message that Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi (MP, founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party and traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarch and nation) shared with them. The theme for this year is, Let's Lift Jesus Higher (Masimphakamisa uJesu). The conference features keynote speakers and services which provide valuable insights into biblical principles and were designed to deepen an understanding of faith and strengthen a relationship with God. Prince Buthelezi said during his presentation, “When we talk about lifting Jesus higher, to me that means placing Him in a prominent position so that no matter what we are facing, what we see, is Jesus.” He continued by referring to the fact that he had to grow up without seeing his father too often and was raised mainly by his mother – something that many youngsters of today are challenged with. He continued his message by saying, “My mother was a devout Christian and she instilled in me the importance of living by biblical standards. I knew the fifth commandment, to honour my father and mother.” Prince Buthelezi’s message was designed for the challenges young people have to face daily. He said, “The theme of the conference is perfectly chosen for a time such as this. But we know that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to God and that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. How then can we lift Jesus any higher?” He referred to the challenges he faced during his childhood but confirmed that he did not allow them to overtake his life. He said that despite the many challenges that he was faced with as a youngster he kept believing in God’s plan for him, and that helped him to persevere. He encouraged the more than 4,500 young onlookers, “What do we do when faced with a challenge? We lift Jesus higher. We look beyond the circumstances to the truth of Christ and what He is calling us to do. When God makes a promise, He always fulfils it. He has promised that you will thrive in what He is giving you if you will honour your father and mother. It is certainly worth doing.” Listen to the conference presentations on the Radio Kwezi live streams daily on www.radiokwezi.org.za

Deodorant production is an uncommon business in the Black communities in South Africa, particularly among the youth but that backdrop has not deterred Candice Manamela from creating her own brand. The 23 years old from Tibanefontein in Ga-Matlala outside Polokwane is currently an Environmental and Resource Studies student at the University of Limpopo and she manufactures the Fragrance from her residence at the campus. Candice’s passion for this business came because of being one of the distributors of one deodorant product for a year and she grew fond of the industry. That’s when she decided to start producing her own cologne and named it Trio Fragrances in 2021 “The name is inspired by the fact that we are three at home and this is an empire I am building not only for myself but for my siblings as well” she said. Manamela scooped a Next Level Pitching award from Vodacom in 2022 which were held at her campus and her entrepreneurial skills went on to win her the number-one spot on how best to look for funders. She currently has five distributors of her own and the feedback she receives from her customers is what helps her keep the momentum going. However, just like any other business, hers is also not immune to challenges. She cited chemicals as hazardous for her health since she manufactures her fragrances in the room where she sleeps and studies. “At times demand becomes higher than supply and find that the people from whom I get the material are out of stock. For instance, my supplier would run out of bottles, I am then forced to look for other bottles elsewhere", said Candice. She aspires to have a laboratory where she will produce her colognes without putting her health at risk as well as owning her physical stores where customers would buy the product.” I would also love to have more distributors and see my product at the shelves at retail stores”, she said. Find Candice on her Facebook page Trio Fragrances or on her cell: 064 885 0214 .

Our Rising Star no: 182 is Arnando Macuacua (24) all the way from Windmill Park, Boksburg, Gauteng Province in South Africa. This young man did not hesitate to tell us how Kamogelo Mokwena (an amazing drawing artists making art with his mouth), motivated him. “I started drawing when I was 10 years old, I love drawing because I can only use my hands due to my disability (Muscular Dystrophy). I get inspired every time I see people living with disability moving on with their talents. I use panic and A4 paper to make my drawings and just choose to draw any type of picture to draw. Unfortunately, am drawing for fun but will be glad to make it professionally if I get good offers”, he said. Arnando’s biggest dream is to open his own Art Business and see myself as a popular artist. Rise Africans Newspaper wishes him all the best of luck in his career. Arnando can be contacted via Whatsapp: 066 399 2235 | Facebook page: Arnando Arts.

Japhter Local Football Association hosted a blockbuster Top 8 Tournament this past weekend at Mentz Segoreng following a successful wrap to the second leg of the two leagues for both the Masters and seniors teams. Two months ago Rise Africans Newspaper reported about the Association’s establishment of the two leagues under its name. As it was reported, the Masters league is in its 5th season with the senior teams’ league being in its inaugural season. The top 4 teams from the Masters league were made to lock horns with the top 4 teams from the seniors’ league to make this year’s tournament more exciting not only for the players but for fans as well. The fans went there in numbers to witness F.C Valencia and Toronto F.C from the Masters league eliminating all the teams from the senior’s league apiece. They then faced each other in the final on Sunday. The defending Champions FC Valencia came out victorious as they defeated Toronto FC 5-4 on penalties after the game ended at a tie of a one-all draw. The Association’s Media Liaisons Officer Tshepo Magoele said that the reason they decided to create this extraordinary tournament is that “the Committee thought it would be good for the young ones to learn a thing or two from their elders so they understand what we mean when we say experience counts.” He said. He added that it gladdens his heart that the results turned out the way they expected since the boys would now go back to the drawing board and fix where they went wrong. Mogoele reiterated the importance of having such sporting events in the community on the basis that it unites the people, helps them socialize with ease and hawkers get to display their businesses. He highlighted that alcohol consumption will also drop from participating in these activities. “We are now working on a massive top 16 tournament whereby we will have 8 teams from both leagues and to prolong it, we have agreed that it shall start from the group stages and be followed by the knockouts” Magoele concluded.

Our Rising Star no: 181 is a lovely lady who went through difficult stages, a lady who is assisting Rise Africans Newspaper with French translations! Mamy Maombi is a talented Gospel musician from Durban, KwaZulu Natal Province in South Africa. Born in a village called “Walungu” in the East of Democratic Republic of Congo, Mamy grew up in Bukavu City with her aunty. “My father is Maheshe, am originally from D.R Congo. Like most of other kids, it was not easy growing up in Walungu. I had to learn working hard like doing garden, working long distance by foot, going to fetch water and had to be strong enough. My country started having some wars and instability then I found myself in South Africa and it was not easy. At first, I could not speak good English or any South African language. I remember not having money and not knowing how to survive, I had to become a car guard to pay my bills”, she said. Music became the first love since her childhood. Mamy use to stay on the corner and listen to a choir practising and enjoy the wonderful melodies. Being born from a Christian family played a huge role to her career. She recalls writing music at an early age but was just for fun. One day she decided to sing her songs and people were touched by her wonderful voice, then she moved on to do backing vocals in a lot of Gospel Live Shows. “I released my first album in 2015 but did not do well because of lack of promotion. I then went on to release a hot single titled “Mighty Things” also available on a music video. There are lots of challenges in the music industry, most doors are closed, you need money to produce quality music, quality music video and promotion. You can have the most beautiful voice and yet nobody will ever hear you if you did not budget for promotion. Not so many people are willing to invite someone who is not very well known yet and sometimes you meet the wrong people who will promise you a lot of stuff they eat your money and ignore you”, she added. The talented French and Swahili fluent speaking lady advice upcoming artist, specifically Gospel, to first have a good relationship with God. They must not be in the industry for fame, patience is a key and must be willing to invest in a quality work. We are very glad to meet this lovely soul, our readers must be ready to learn and enjoy some of our articles in French. Booking can be done: E-mail : jmglamarous@gmail.com . |Facebook : N.M Mamy MAOMBi. |Whatsapp : 069 355 4466. |Youtube : N.M Mamy MAOMBi official.

We celebrate our Rising Star no: 180 with another talent all the way from Limpopo Province, South Africa. Most of his fans will remember him on social media with his funny videos! Ntate Malapane is originally from Burgersfort, but currently in Pretoria, Gauteng Province, due to work and school. He is an Accounting Student at Tshwane University of Technology in Ga – Rankuwa. Ntates, as popularly known, is an entrepreneur, model, activist and a musician . “Thank you for the wonderful opportunity, I started making albinism awareness from very young age at high school. I had a difficult childhood with people’s opinions about me, I wanted a change for the next generation , so I became an activist. I felt people lacked knowledge about albinism and decided to play a role of being their source”, said Ntates. We could not believe it was him after listening to his songs! The talent and messages on his songs need to be heard by the world. Music became his therapy and easy platform to express his feelings. At the age of 6, Ntates was already in a school choir and never looked back! He proudly released one album so far and featured the likes of Marskay, Sir Jovial, Bayor97 and Sandza De Key. “I faced rejection for a long time, especially with my skin condition. I always had annoying questions to respond before I could even perform or ask for a slot. People did not believe I was human enough. So, I decided to focus on the two positive comments I got to keep my career going. The fact that God still gives me breath explains a lot to me. All the challenges I faced; I would not wish them to anyone. Going as far as being isolated by your own relatives. I would go to a family gathering with my mother, seat with our relatives and suddenly they would disappear one by one, and I would be left with her. They were not proud to be my family until the world proved them wrong”, he added. His fans can expect a music video and a second album this year! A wonderful message from him to all youngsters out there is to go for everything regardless any differences. Those living with albinism must get up, wipe tears of sorrow and make them tears of joy. Bookings can be done: Facebook page, Ntates |Instagram, Ntates_rsa |TikTok, Ntates |App number, 0728750206 |Email, ntatesbookings@gmail.com

In front of me sits the forty-two-year-old Keegan Pillay, a man who has been through life's mills a few times. He finally came out on the other side, well-adjusted. When you look into his soft eyes now, it is hard to believe that he was once a hard-nosed jerk who had no respect for another life. Although this is my second interview with Keegan, I still find it hard to believe that there was a time when he lived up to and even honoured the name his friends gave him, 'Lucifer'. This is the first part of a four-part story about Keegan Pillay and his journey to restore his life. Keegan Pillay knows all about the life of a gangster - he's hung out with the country's most famous and biggest villains and even worked for some of them. He also worked for Nigerians as a drug smuggler. It had been his job to recover the drug lords' money from the addicts and to do it violently, if necessary. His violent childhood prepared him to successfully do this job for the drug lords. But he left that life behind seven years ago - he is now a responsible and first-class farm worker who makes a very important contribution to ensuring food security. His steady work at Emseni Farm not only gives him great pleasure... it also enables him to help care for his ageing mother. But, let’s backtrack a bit to his earlier life! Keegan has two older brothers and a sister. He was only seven years old when he was first introduced to alcohol, ironically through his biological father who allowed him to take sips of his liquor when he was under the influence. And it was often… Keegen says they never had a shortage of material things, but his father had a huge drinking problem that ruined the family's lives. His mother, in particular, had to live under his father's hot temper and often felt her husband's destructive outbursts and violent actions. When his parents finally parted ways, young Keegan's life was completely turned upside down, but he chose to stay with his father instead. This is where the road to destruction went downhill faster. Keegan was also exposed to movies with violent themes from a very young age. The violence shown in those movies, he practised on other children. From the age of eight, he was taught how to fight physically and often engaged in street fights. And it didn't just stop at alcohol. Keegan started smoking cigarettes around eight years of age and by the time he celebrated his twelfth birthday, he was already addicted to drugs. His first choice was mandrax, but he ended up abusing any drug he could lay his hands on. As is the case with those addicted to alcohol and drugs, Keegan began stealing to support his bad habits. He also used violence to get what he needed. Keegan Pillay was molested as a child by a family member and this cultivated an intense hatred in him. Hate can destroy a person’s life. It can result in a person not having any empathy for others. Keegan explains his hatred as follows: "I became a slave to my own hatred and pain, but never revealed those who abused me. The abuse led to me living a life dominated by ghosts and the painful memories I carried with me haunted me. So much so, that I intensely hated everyone around me. I also had problems with one of my brothers and it brought distance between us. The violence I experienced in the home contributed to my also leading a violent life, and even though I knew it was wrong, it didn't really stop me at the time." Keegan says that he really liked his image as a 'bad boy', the one everyone was afraid of. His friends called him 'Lucifer', and he liked the name very much. He worked hard to live up to the name and showed no mercy to others. At the age of fourteen, he ended up in prison for attempted murder. And so began the spiral of in-jail-out-of-jail, back-in-jail-out-of-jail, and there Keegan learned how to get really serious about drug dealing. It did not make him a better person at all to go to prison for his offences - on the contrary, his crimes only increased. Keegan's mother finally had enough and sent him to his uncle in Durban, hoping that he would be okay there. His mother did not know that his uncle was also a drug smuggler, and the visit there made him disappear further into the dark hole. His life spiralled out of control. "I never talked to anyone about my pain, but I couldn't escape from that dark hole I ended up in - even if I wanted to", explains Keegan. "The pain only got worse and I tried to end my life a few times. It was my brother who stopped me when I tried again. My brother then put his foot down and told me that it was time for me to turn my life around." Sometimes a person has to hit rock bottom in order to understand that change starts from within. Keegan Pillay knew that if he wanted change in his life, he has to be that change himself first. "For me, the turning point came in 2015. I was then on the street and my health was deteriorating. I realized that I had lost control, and although I was schooled in the Hindu faith, one day, when I really hit rock bottom, I strangely cried out to the Lord Jesus to help me. By then I was homeless and staying with my brother from time to time, but mostly sleeping on his front porch while he knew nothing about it. I would slip out early in the morning and just continue in my footsteps of self-destruction." "It was my brother who told me about the KwaSizabantu Mission in Kranskop, KwaZulu-Natal. He told me that he was going to take me there to do the CYPSA program. He heard somewhere how successful the program is. I didn't know much about it, but I didn't have any other choice either. Because my brother promised me R5,000 if I went, it was a great motivation for me to comply with his request. However, I intended to use the money afterwards to buy drugs and then sell them again and thus get my 'business' going again. I had a lot of knowledge and extensive experience of that." 16 October 2015 will always be a very special day for Keegan. That was the day his brother loaded him into his car and took him to the mission station to start the CYPSA restoration program at the KwaSizabantu Mission. This is the day that marks the beginning of his new life, despite the fact that he was then suffering from the withdrawal symptoms of heroin. Under the impression that it was a rehabilitation centre, Keegan voluntarily went along. He only realized later, when he was already busy with the 21-day restoration program, that it is not a rehabilitation centre, but a place of spiritual restoration. It was at the mission where Keegan was treated like a real person for the first time and accepted unconditionally into the community. He also found the Lord and has followed Him faithfully ever since. CYPSA stands for Concerned Young People of South Africa and the restoration program they follow is intense and modelled on biblical principles. According to CYPSA's 21-day restoration program, the participants must commit to the rules and strictly follow all the instruction. Through the CYPSA programme at the KwaSizabantu Mission, Keegan Pillay has managed to completely change his life from being a gangster to a responsible citizen and a graceful farm worker. "In my entire life I have never experienced anything like this", explains Keegan about his experience at KwaSizabantu. "The respect and acceptance I received from strangers were unprecedented for me. These people did not know me at all, but welcomed me and accepted me unconditionally. This while my own people rejected me. I don't know of another place in the whole world where an addict is taken in so unconditionally and without any payment for the restoration program. When I asked how much it would cost, I was told that Jesus had already paid for me on the cross." As much as possible, Keegan apologized to those he had wronged in his previous life and made peace with his family. He visits his family regularly and takes care of his mother financially. She has also visited him at his workplace once or so. The mission station has established several projects and successful businesses since it was started more than fifty-two years ago. Keegan eventually landed at one of the agricultural projects, Emseni Farm. After starting the program as a broken person and successfully completing it, he finally found his peace in the greenhouses of the Emseni Farm, which means 'grace' in Zulu. Keegan also received that grace. It's now seven years later, and although there were days when it was extra difficult to stay on the right path, Keegan finally said goodbye to his old life. He is now an honorable farm worker who works hard to make the country a better place. Emseni is currently one of the largest sweet pepper producers in the country with more than 11 hectares of greenhouses. Emseni also plants other vegetables, such as lettuce and others. A very large part of the farm consists of avocado orchards. Emseni also produces its own compost from the waste generated by the greenhouses as well as daily use on the farm. This compost is recycled back into the orchards. Emseni farms close to nature and many projects help to ensure the survival of the farming. In addition, they also help the neighbouring community with training and teach them how to farm self-sufficiently. Emseni's management also gives advice and even donates seedlings so that the community members can set up their own farming. And it is when he talks about his work in the greenhouses that the true Keegan character emerges. There is no sign of the skunk to be seen. His face brightened and his eyes spoke together. He recently completed his second year for a diploma in food production and is very much looking forward to starting the third year. (NOTE: Article supplied by Devoted magazine: Read online: https://devinepublishers.com / Devoted. You can also read more testimonies of restored lives on the same website - click on the CYPSA programme.

Mfiki Sokhela is a gentle giant – a big man with an even bigger heart. He works at Emseni Farming and found his spot among the avocado trees where he manages hectares of hectares of export-quality fruit orchards. He plays a major role in food production. Mfiki is now in his late forties and had tons of inspiring stories to share. I nicknamed him the ‘smiling manager’ because every time we met, he was smiling joyfully. His joy is contagious, and I instantly felt compassion and respect towards him. Those who know and work with him say he is always like that. This is his story of inspiration. Mfiki got his schooling and training at the KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-Natal. He was only 17 when he approached the KwaSizabantu management team for piece jobs out of desperation. He is originally from Msinga where work opportunities were, and still are, extremely scarce. His widowed mother had eight children to care for, and their only source of income was to make clay pots to hold beer. They often sold pots with beer in them to earn a living. There was no money for ‘luxuries’ such as schooling. Mfiki said, “When I first came to KwaSizabantu and saw how the people live here — in harmony and with respect for each other — I said to myself, ‘I want that life!’ ” He started caring for the cattle on the farm as a herd boy, and after a few years, he began working in the greenhouses with the peppers. From there, he was promoted to management and now works in the avocado orchards. “This is my spot,” he told me, “June is harvesting time, and that is the time I am at my happiest.” In line with his upbringing, Mfiki worshipped ancestral spirits, but when he converted to Christianity in 1994 after hearing Rev Erlo Stegen’s sermons, it was as if the weights that had pushed him down for so long were lifted from his shoulders. “I have put my old life of ancestral worshipping behind me to follow Jesus, I became a new man, and things started working out for me,” he said. He later brought his mom to the Mission. He recalls that his fondest memory of her was when she called him to thank him for helping her “to make her life right”. He explained, “My mother said to me before she passed on, ‘Thank you, my son, for bringing me to KwaSizabantu. You did the right thing to bring me here.’” “KwaSizabantu helps us,” Mfiki said. “They provide us with accommodation and give us food three, even four times per day. We are probably not rich in money, but we have a spiritual richness. That is why I love this place so much. They teach the community how to plant, give them seedlings, and when they harvest their avocados, they (the farmers) bring their avocados to KwaSizabantu, and the Mission sells it for them. The farmers get all the money for their harvest. If this place collapses,” he said, “we will all collapse.” Mfiki Sokhela never had the opportunity to go to school as a young child and was completely illiterate before he started to work at the KwaSizabantu Mission in KwaZulu-Natal. He learned to speak English as a youngster at the Mission through its Thabitha Adult School when he started working there in 1991. At Thabitha, he learned to read and write in his home language, isiZulu, and he also learned English and how to farm sustainably. Mfiki is now a manager at Emseni Farming and takes care of its world-class avocado production. He greatly admires his manager, Dietmar Joosten, who is responsible for all the farming projects at Emseni Farming on the premises of KwaSizabantu Mission in Kranskop, KwaZulu-Natal. It is a huge responsibility because Emseni grows export-quality avocados. Emseni also plants other fruit and vegetables, and is currently one of the biggest pepper producers in the country, with over 11 hectares of peppers. Emseni incorporated beekeeping for pollination and honey production and makes their own compost that is used in fruit orchards. Mfiki said he has learned all he knows about farming from Dietmar, and the way Dietmar treats his workers is an example to all. “He treats his workers with respect,” he said. “He teaches us with patience and allows us to grow in our work. He creates a positive environment for all the workers and co-workers. And, if one’s work and contribution is valued, it motivates you to improve and maintain good work.” Rev Erlo Stegen, the founder of the Mission, is another of Mfiki’s heroes. “He is doing so much for the community, and he taught us how to give to others. To me, he is like Caesarea in Acts 10 in the Bible. Caesarea and all his family were devout and gave generously to those in need and prayed regularly to God. It is like that at KwaSizabantu. I watched a sermon of Rev Erlo the other day on video, and my eyes teared up when I suddenly realised that I will probably never hear him preach ever again in person. I see my work now as supporting the work that he started.” Not only did Mfiki find his spot and a purpose at KwaSizabantu, but also his soulmate! He is happily married, and the couple was blessed with two children. The entire family stays at the farm, which they call their home. “There is one important thing that I learned from Rev Stegen,” Mfiki concluded, “He always told us to forgive and to give to others. That is how I try to live. To me, KwaSizabantu is like the mountain in Psalm 125: it cannot be shaken and endures forever. (Article supplied by Devoted magazine. Read Devoted online: https://www.devinepublishers.com/devoted-magazine . For more such stories, follow Devoted on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/devinepublishers/ )