Growing more than poultry: how Nkadimeng Agri is feeding communities and changing lives in Mpumalanga

When Mokgapi Nkadimeng founded Nkadimeng Agri in Mpumalanga, it was not simply a business decision but a deeply personal mission rooted in family and care.

His journey into organic poultry farming began with his grandmother’s struggle with dementia and diabetes.

Concerned about the impact of genetically modified foods on her health, Mokgapi sought natural, organic alternatives to ensure she ate clean, nutritious meals.

That personal mission soon blossomed into a business with a purpose, one that now feeds families, empowers farmers, and reshapes the agricultural landscape of South Africa.

“Farming was never just about profit for me. It is about restoring dignity, hope, and health through food that is both sustainable and nourishing,” Mokgapi said.

Nkadimeng Agri quickly became known for its regenerative practices that support both the environment and local communities.

The business’s organic feed blends, produced in partnership with local grain farmers, reduced carbon emissions and production costs while strengthening the regional agricultural network.

“Our partnerships help us maintain sustainability while keeping prices affordable for consumers,” Mokgapi explained.

“It is a win-win for both our business and the community.”

While the poultry sector has long faced challenges such as high feed prices, power instability, and limited access to land, Nkadimeng Agri turned obstacles into opportunities.

Mokgapi overcame rising input costs by sourcing locally and formulating his own feed blends.

Land scarcity was managed through innovative leasing agreements with private landowners, ensuring that expansion remained possible even without large capital reserves.

“High feed costs remain a challenge, but by working with nearby farmers and reducing dependency on commercial suppliers, we have managed to stay competitive and sustainable,” the young businessman told Business Report. 

Beyond its business success, Nkadimeng Agri has become a cornerstone of social empowerment.

The company offers free guidance to aspiring farmers, promotes food security initiatives, and recycles waste into organic fertilizer for community gardens.

These initiatives not only create employment but also inspire self-sufficiency in rural households.

“Our goal has always been to help people grow their own food and take control of their nutrition. When communities thrive, the nation becomes stronger,” Mokgapi said. 

Biosecurity and animal welfare remain top priorities at Nkadimeng Agri. The farm’s strict sanitation, vaccination, and monitoring protocols ensure that all poultry are antibiotic-free.

“Healthy chickens make healthy communities,” he said. “Antibiotic-free farming is about protecting both our animals and the people who consume them.”

Despite South Africa’s long-standing struggles with chicken dumping and uneven industry regulations, Mokgapi remained focused on producing premium-quality poultry that could stand up to imported alternatives.

“There are no shortcuts in this business,” he said. “Consistency and quality are what keep customers coming back.”

Nkadimeng Agri’s clientele ranged from households and street vendors to shisa-nyamas and health-conscious consumers who preferred the farm’s fresh organic products over mass-produced options.

The company’s commitment to transparency and traceability has helped build a loyal base that values trust as much as taste.

As Nkadimeng Agri continued to expand, Mokgapi’s vision grew beyond farming. He began measuring the company’s success not only in profits but also in impact, jobs created, partnerships formed, and young farmers mentored.

“We track more than financial results,” he said.

“It is about the lives touched, the communities uplifted, and the knowledge shared.”

Looking ahead, Nkadimeng planned to diversify his operations with value-added products, expanded distribution, and technology-driven efficiency.

“The larger the community we feed, the greater our social impact,” he said.

For Mokgapi, farming was never outdated or uninspiring, it was a calling with infinite possibilities.

“Farming is a noble profession. If young people see it through the lens of innovation and purpose, they can create a legacy of change,” he said. “

What began as a personal mission to care for one woman’s health has evolved into a powerful model for sustainable farming and social transformation. In a country facing both food insecurity and unemployment, Nkadimeng Agri stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal, proof that when food is grown with care, communities flourish.

BUSINESS REPORT