When Agriven ceased to exist in 2000, many of its employees were disappointed because they joined the long queue of the unemployed, while facing a bleak future. For Agricultural Officer Samuel Nnditsheni Sadiki (54) of Shayandima, the closure of Agriven was a golden opportunity to start a new life.

"Knowing fully that I would no longer be paid at the end of each month, I decided to use my skills for my own survival while assisting the community in which I live. When a company closes, it does not necessarily mean that it is the end of the world. I want to show other people that one can survive even if he/she is no longer employed," said Sadiki.

Sadiki now assists local emerging farmers by doing soil analysis, climatic assessment and market research. "I worked for the former Venda government as an agricultural officer for eight years before joining Agriven in 1985. I worked there until it closed in 2000. I realized that I could not leave my valuable experience to rot at home, instead of using my knowledge to benefit my community members," he said. Sadiki is also assisting emerging farmers and projects with vegetable, macadamia, subtropical fruit production, poultry and stock farming, piggery, labour relations, farm administration and management, to name but a few. "I also disseminate my vast knowledge on irrigation, pesticides and fertilization of the agricultural products."

He has presently joined hands with another emerging farmer, Malange Mpande (54), in tomato production. They are currently working on a plot at Manamani Village. Mpande says it is a big gain to work with Sadiki. "I did not have any agricultural knowledge before but his arrival has built my esteem of becoming a leading farmer in the not-so-distant future." Sadiki can be contacted at 076 359 8044.