William Hleza with the rabbits he received from DARDLEA.
A farmer from Tjakastad in the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, William Hleza, is celebrating a major boost to his agricultural ambitions after his Hleza Farming project received support through the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) Masibuyele Esibayeni Programme.
Hleza received 10 does and one buck to strengthen his rabbit production project. The support also included medication and feed, providing the emerging farmer with important resources to establish a stronger foundation for his rabbit enterprise.
For Hleza, the assistance represents more than simply receiving livestock. He believes it is an important step towards turning his farming project into a sustainable and commercially viable agricultural business.
“I am very happy to have received this support. It gives me a strong foundation to build and grow my rabbit production project,” Hleza said.
He said his vision extends beyond producing rabbits for his local community. His long-term ambition is to expand production, develop sustainable markets and eventually export his products to neighbouring countries.
Building Hleza Farming
Hleza Farming is an emerging agricultural project based in Tjakastad, where Hleza is developing rabbit production as a viable farming enterprise.
The farmer sees rabbit production as an opportunity to build a sustainable business that can contribute to household income, create employment opportunities and participate in the wider agricultural economy.
With the additional breeding stock, feed and medication, Hleza hopes to increase his production capacity and gradually grow his rabbit herd.
He believes that with commitment, proper management, continued support and access to reliable markets, rabbit farming can become an important and profitable part of his agricultural business.
Government support for emerging farmers
The Masibuyele Esibayeni Programme is a livestock development initiative implemented by DARDLEA to support emerging farmers and strengthen livestock production in Mpumalanga.
The programme aims to assist farmers with livestock and production resources while contributing to household food security, economic development and the commercialisation of farming enterprises.
For Hleza, the support has provided an opportunity to move closer to his dream of establishing a successful rabbit farming business.
He expressed his appreciation to DARDLEA for recognising his project and providing the assistance needed to help him take the next step.
“I would like to thank the department for the support. I really appreciate what they have done for me because this support will help me grow my project and take it to another level,” he said.
Hleza now hopes to build on the assistance by increasing production, improving the quality of his rabbits and developing reliable markets.
His ultimate goal is to see Hleza Farming grow from an emerging pro
