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The Eastern Cape continues to show remarkable progress in the development of its emerging black potato producers through structured support programmes, such as the Potatoes SA Enterprise Development Programme (EDP). Farmers have shown resilience and a strong commitment to growth despite the production region’s heavy reliance on rainfall, and challenges posed by changing climate conditions.
This article highlights the performance, progress, and challenges of three potato-producing enterprises, Matuana Agencies (Pty) Ltd, Gudlumhlanga Youth Co-operative and Farmers, and Jay Jay Farming (Pty) Ltd. Their progress provides insight into how collaborative support from industry stakeholders, the adoption of sustainable practices, and strategic infrastructure investment are transforming agricultural production and growth in the region.
Matuana Farm
Located in Ugie in the Elundini local municipal area, Matuana Farm is a family-run business operating under Matuana Agencies (Pty) Ltd, co-directed by father and son, Thumekile and Vumile Mzizi. They are both actively involved in the farming operations. With over 15 years’ experience, these producers cultivate a variety of crops, including potatoes, maize, soya beans, dry beans, and sunflower on 336 ha of their own land and 140 ha leased land.
The farm gained national recognition in 2021 when they won the Toyota New Harvest award. Since joining the Potatoes SA EDP in 2022/23, the farm has received support enabling them to plant 20 ha of potatoes annually, with an additional 25 ha being planted independently. In October 2024, they planted 45 ha with the aim of serving local and export markets, including national fresh produce markets, retailers, wholesalers, and the Mozambican market.
Harvesting commenced in March 2025 under rainfed conditions, with yields averaging 42 t/ha. However, a dry spell in December 2024 affected tuber development of especially their Sifra, Lanorma, and Allison cultivars.
Early blight pressure was high, although Lanorma performed exceptionally well when planted in late November. Encouragingly, the crop was free from tuber moth damage, with good quality noted throughout.
Market conditions proved to be favourable. Prices peaked at R7 500/t in early April due to rain disruptions in other regions. The farm averaged R6 600/t for the season, with small to medium potatoes outperforming the market demand of previous seasons.
Although reliant on rain, they recently installed a 20 ha centre pivot for greater sustainability and as part of their plans to increase potato production to 70 ha in the next season. Excess rainfall poses logistical challenges, delaying harvests and increasing costs. However, the addition of a washing and sorting machine last year allowed for market diversification and better pricing.
The producers are optimistic about transitioning to full irrigation in response to climate variability.
Gudlumhlanga Youth Co-op
Established in 2020 in the Elundini local municipal area, Gudlumhlanga Youth Co-operative and Farmers operates on 252 ha and is managed by eight members, six of whom are full-time employees. The co-operative focusses on grain and vegetable production, especially cabbage and potatoes.
In 2022, they planted 20 ha of potatoes which yielded 40 t/ha under rainfed conditions. Following their successful entry into the Potatoes SA EDP in 2023/24, they replicated this effort in October 2024 and began harvesting in March 2025. Despite delays due to heavy rains, the co-operative achieved a slightly improved average yield of 41 t/ha.
Their produce supplies major retailers such as SA Harvest in KwaZulu-Natal, Kei Fresh in the Eastern Cape, and various wholesalers. Despite a successful harvest, the season did pose some challenges, including nutrient leaching, topsoil erosion, and pest outbreaks. These were addressed through top-dressing and vigilant crop monitoring. The need for a potato washer and classification system remains critical, as unwashed produce will affect market value. The co-op also lacks storage infrastructure, preventing in-house seed production.
Support from Potatoes SA, which provided Lanorma seed, noted for its good shelf life and climate resilience, alongside fertiliser supplied by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) as well as the province’s Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, contributed significantly to this season’s success. The co-operative is committed to implementing sustainable farming practices and ongoing crop quality improvement.
Jay Jay Farming
Founded in 2018 by cousins Mzimasi Jalisa and Siphe Joyi in Baziya near Mthatha, Jay Jay Farming (Pty) Ltd produces vegetables and maize on 406 ha. Their market includes local hawkers, stores, and formal retailers such as Spar and Boxer in Mthatha and Ngcobo. Cattle sales are used to support the enterprise’s cashflow.
The business joined the Potatoes SA EDP in 2023/24 and planted 7 ha of potatoes in October 2024.
Harvesting commenced in March 2025 with an average yield of 40 t/ha and a selling price of R5 500/t. The bulk of their crop was sold to Mozambican traders (unwashed) and national fresh produce markets (washed by a neighbouring farmer who also participates in the programme).
Although insufficient rain during December’s bulking phase affected yields, no other major challenges were reported. Encouraged by this season’s outcome, the producers aim to scale up by planting 20 ha of potatoes within the next two years.
Conclusion
The Potatoes SA EDP continues to assist in unlocking the potential of black agricultural entrepreneurs in the Eastern Cape. All three enterprises are testament to tangible improvements in productivity, market access, and operational capacity.
The integration of mechanisation, strategic infrastructure, and stakeholder support has been instrumental in helping them navigate climate-related and logistical challenges.
Further investment in irrigation systems, storage facilities, and processing infrastructure will position the region well in terms of sustained growth in potato production. – Brian Makhele, transformation specialist, Potatoes SA
For more information on the Potatoes SA EDP in the Eastern Cape, send an email to brian@potatoes.co.za.