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From humble beginnings to a growing force in Limpopo’s potato industry, Mazeli Farming and Projects is a shining example of how strategic support, determination, and strong market linkages can transform an emerging producer into a competitive commercial enterprise.
Founded in 2017 by Andries and Zelda Masoga in Avon in the Blouberg local municipal area, Mazeli started as a small mixed-crop operation producing tomatoes, cabbage, and green peppers. Limited resources meant slow growth, but the couple’s vision remained clear: to build a sustainable, diversified farming business that could create jobs and secure access to lucrative markets.
The turning point
The breakthrough came in 2022 when Mazeli joined Potatoes SA’s Enterprise Development Programme (EDP). Through the programme, the farm gained access to seed funding, technical mentorship, and market opportunities, along with critical infrastructure support such as irrigation systems and storage facilities.
Before joining, Mazeli was producing just 4 ha of tomatoes and 5 ha of butternuts, with only one centre pivot irrigation system. Today, potato farming has become their primary enterprise, with 26.5 ha currently in production – 10 ha under contract for PepsiCo’s Simba brand, and 16.5 ha of Mondial potatoes destined for the Mozambique market.
Diversification for stability
While potatoes are the cornerstone of the business, Mazeli has maintained a diversified model, producing peppadew, butternuts, and goats, alongside off-farm income from a taxi fleet and rental properties. This approach cushions the business from seasonal fluctuations and strengthens its financial resilience.
With support from the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, the National Department of Rural Development and Potatoes SA, Mazeli has invested in multiple centre pivots, expanded irrigation capacity, and developed on-site storage. Mechanisation upgrades have improved efficiency, enabling the farm to scale up production without compromising quality.
Since starting to focus on potatoes in 2021, Mazeli has improved its yields dramatically – from 10 t/ha in the early days to an average of 55 t/ha in 2024 for Mondial potatoes. Offtake agreements with PepsiCo and exports to Mozambique have opened reliable revenue streams, while plans are underway to target the fresh produce market with washed and graded potatoes.
Looking ahead
By 2026, Mazeli plans to expand its potato production to 36.5 ha, with a continued focus on quality, market diversification, and job creation. The farm’s growth trajectory is not just a personal success for the Masogas – it is a model of how enterprise development can deliver tangible transformation in South Africa’s agricultural sector.
Mazeli Farming and Projects stands as proof that with the right mix of skills, resources, and determination, emerging producers can break into competitive markets, scale sustainably, and inspire the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. – Rachichi Marokane, Potatoes SA national transformation coordinator
For more information about Potatoes SA’s EDP, visit www.potatoes.co.za/enterprise-development/ or send an email to Rachichi Marokane at rachichi@potatoes.co.za