In the heart of Polokwane in Limpopo, Leah Matlala is making waves in the potato industry under the banner of Somandla Trading. Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and an unyielding passion for agriculture.
A career rooted in service
Before embarking on her farming journey, Leah built an impressive career in healthcare and business. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Management from Mancosa as well as numerous other qualifications, including a BA degree from the University of South Africa (UNISA), a Management Advancement Programme from the University of the Witwatersrand, a certificate in Labour Relations from UNISA, as well as a Diploma in Nursing Science.
Her professional journey included 16 years in nursing at the Alexandra Health Centre and the Esangweni Clinic in Thembisa, and various hospitals in Limpopo. Leah’s thirst for knowledge and leadership led her to serve in the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry in Limpopo, where she honed her management and administrative skills.
As a respected business leader, she co-founded several successful enterprises, including iTmaster, which operates in all nine provinces of South Africa. As managing member of Somandla Trading 14, she has been instrumental in providing construction and training services.
Her commitment to social investment is evident in her company’s contributions, which include donating 1 200 pairs of school shoes to disadvantaged children and building homes for families in need.
Sowing the seeds for the future
Leah was introduced to farming by her aunt who cultivated moringa for tea, body lotion, and oil production. Inspired by this venture, she bought a farm in 2018 and started cultivating cabbage and butternut, supplying local school nutrition programmes. Her impressive cabbage harvest caught the attention of local agricultural extension officers and they introduced her to the potential of potato production in the Polokwane area. After visiting several potato farms, Leah developed a keen interest and decided to take the leap.
Starting her potato journey was no easy feat, as she received no financial support from government or the private sector. Instead, she relied on her entrepreneurial acumen to buy equipment on auction and networking within the farming community.
One of Leah’s biggest challenges was securing adequate water supply, which she addressed by drilling an additional borehole and installing drip irrigation. Another significant hurdle was acquiring the right equipment, including a potato planter and boom sprayer. Another steep learning curve was the fact that her employees were more experienced in general crop production than in potatoes.
A hailstorm of setbacks
In June 2024, Leah planted Panamera potatoes on her 4 ha farm, anticipating a late November to early December harvest. Throughout the growing season her crops flourished, promising a bountiful yield. But nature had other plans. In October of that year, an unexpected hailstorm hit, damaging the foliage of her potato plants. Yet she managed to salvage her harvest, proving that perseverance is key in agriculture.
Although Leah had successfully navigated the hailstorm, harvesting presented various challenges. Without her own harvester, she had to borrow equipment from neighbouring producers. This dependence on external resources made harvesting more complicated and less efficient than she had hoped. Nevertheless, she managed to produce a satisfactory yield, selling her 12.5 kg medium potatoes at R65/bag. Leah currently supplies her produce to local traders, food markets, and buyers in Mozambique, although political instability in the region has occasionally disrupted sales.
A vision for growth
While potatoes remain a crucial part of her agricultural enterprise, Leah is not limited to a single crop. She cultivates cabbages, watermelons, and butternuts, supplying local traders and school feeding programmes. Her ability to diversify ensures sustainability, and strengthens her business against market fluctuations.
Leah plans to expand her potato farming operation by increasing her land from 4 to 8 ha. She also aims to improve her irrigation infrastructure and hire additional seasonal workers.
One of her biggest aspirations is to obtain the necessary certification to supply major retailers such as Woolworths, ensuring a steady market for her produce.
Leah’s journey offers invaluable lessons to new producers. To those considering potato farming, her advice is to first establish proper infrastructure, conduct thorough market research, and secure financial backing. Understanding the target market’s preferred potato varieties is also crucial to success.
Leah’s story is one of genuine transformation – from dedicated nurse to pioneering producer. She is not simply growing potatoes; she is cultivating hope and paving the way for future producers. – Rachichi Marokane
For more information, send an email to rachichi@potatoes.co.za.