Breaking barriers as a female potato producer
Located in the Soekmekaar (Morebeng) area, around 35 km outside Polokwane along the N1 towards Makhado, Morane Farming is home to Matilda Ramapela, a first-year participant in Potatoes SA’s Enterprise Development Programme (EDP).
In July 2026, she planted 12 ha of Mondial potatoes. Her farming journey began alongside her late husband, and today she continues to build the family business with her sons, Moyahabo, Tshepho, and Moraka. Together, they aim to establish a sustainable commercial farming enterprise.
Matilda’s interest in potato farming grew in 2023 through a partnership with a commercial producer, where she gained experience in producing, sorting, washing, and marketing potatoes. In 2024, Potatoes SA and the National Department of Rural Development and Land Reform supported her with 7 ha of potato seed. However, hail damage around 30 days after emergence affected her Panamera crop. Despite this setback, she remained committed to growing her potato enterprise. Morane Farming operates on a 200-ha farm, with over 150 ha of arable land and two centre pivots covering 12 ha each.
Her potatoes are destined for the open market, including Mozambique. She also produces butternut and maize, also using the latter as a rotational crop. However, potatoes remain central to her long-term farming ambitions.
Managing production risks
Matilda receives mentorship from Alex Jandrall through the EDP of Potatoes SA, focussing on soil moisture, crop monitoring, irrigation, and pest management. With hot conditions expected throughout the year, she plans to manage water reserves carefully and maintain a strict fertiliser and chemical programme. She recognises that successful potato production requires careful planning, cost management, and an understanding of weather and market risks.
Matilda currently hires tractors, potato planters, harvesters, and other implements from commercial producers. Although this enables her to continue production without the high cost of purchasing machinery, it increases costs and creates dependence on equipment availability. Her ambition is to acquire her own machinery and strengthen the farm’s infrastructure as the business grows.
A key priority for Matilda is developing a succession plan to secure the future of Morane Farming. Her sons are involved in the family business, contributing to technical farming activities and logistics. Their involvement creates opportunities to transfer agricultural knowledge, develop the next generation of producers, and build a lasting family enterprise.
She understands the importance of maintaining an asset register, accurate financial records, and an updated balance sheet to improve the farm’s bankability. Access to working capital remains a major challenge in potato production, where substantial expenses arise before harvest income is received. Stronger financial management could help Morane Farming access commercial finance for mechanisation and expansion.
A vision for commercial production
Looking towards 2027, Matilda aims to expand her potato production to the full 24 ha covered by her centre pivots. Achieving this will require effective planning, working capital, reliable markets, and continued infrastructure development. Through mentorship and sound business management, she hopes to strengthen the farm’s commercial potential and participate more meaningfully in the potato value chain.
Matilda’s journey reflects the determination of female producers working to overcome barriers relating to finance, mechanisation, and market access. Through Morane Farming, she is building on her family’s agricultural experience and creating opportunities for the next generation. Her story highlights the important role women play in advancing transformation and building a more inclusive South African potato industry. – Rachichi Marokane, national transformation coordinator, Potatoes SA
For more information, send an email to rachichi@potatoes.co.za