Young farmer builds sustainable agribusiness to tackle food security and youth unemployment

At just 31 years old, Thembi Gwebu from Emalahleni in Mpumalanga is steadily reshaping perceptions of farming as a career choice for young South Africans.

As the founder of Shauny and Donny, a youth led agricultural business established in 2021, Gwebu is proving that small scale farming can be commercially viable, environmentally responsible and socially impactful when approached with purpose and discipline.

Gwebu said the idea for Shauny and Donny was driven by a deep desire to contribute to food security while creating job opportunities for young people in her community.

She was also motivated to challenge long held beliefs that farming is outdated or unsuitable for youth.

“I was inspired by the need to contribute to food security, create job opportunities for youth and challenge the idea that farming is not a viable career for young people,” she said.

While she did not come from a formal agricultural training background, Gwebu gained valuable practical experience through hands on learning, supported by her parents and guided by trial and error.

That practical exposure laid the foundation for what would become a growing agribusiness with a clear commercial strategy.

Shauny and Donny began as a small passion project, but quickly evolved into a diversified farming operation focused on poultry and vegetable production.

The decision to diversify was intentional, balancing shorter income cycles with longer term crop development.

“Poultry offers quicker turnover and steady income, while vegetables take time to grow,” Gwebu explained.

Today the business supplies live and dressed chickens alongside a range of seasonal vegetables, with chickens, spinach and cabbage emerging as the strongest sellers.

Maintaining quality is central to the operation, with Gwebu closely involved in day to day management.

“Quality starts with hands on management. We maintain strict hygiene standards, proper feeding, clean water supply and regular health checks for poultry,” she told Business Report.

The business currently employs four full time workers and brings in part time staff during peak seasons, contributing to local employment while transferring practical farming skills to young people.

Innovation and sustainability are key pillars of Shauny and Donny’s operating model.

The business uses efficient feeding systems, detailed production record keeping, improved crop spacing and water saving methods to maximise output while controlling costs.

“We compost poultry waste for crop production, minimise chemical use, conserve water and manage land responsibly to protect long term soil health,” Gwebu said.

These sustainable practices are not only environmentally beneficial but also make commercial sense.

According to Gwebu, they have already improved soil quality, reduced input costs and increased overall efficiency while lowering environmental impact.

“Sustainability ensures the business can grow without damaging the environment or the community, while also reducing costs and building consumer trust,” she added.

Beyond production, Gwebu is passionate about changing how young people view agriculture.

She believes farming can be modern, profitable and aligned with entrepreneurship and innovation when treated as a business rather than a last resort.

“Many believe that farming is outdated, risky and not profitable. In reality it offers strong opportunities when approached as a business,” she says.

Her advice to aspiring young farmers is rooted in realism and resilience.

“Start where you are, use what you have and do not be afraid to learn through trial and error. Farming requires patience, discipline and resilience, but the rewards are worth it.”

Shauny and Donny’s impact extends beyond the farm gate.

By supplying affordable, fresh food locally, the business reduces dependence on external suppliers and strengthens food availability within the community. Gwebu has also noticed growing appreciation for locally produced food and increased support for small farmers.

“There is a growing appreciation for fresh, locally produced food and increased support for local farmers,” she said.

Like many small agricultural businesses, Shauny and Donny faces ongoing challenges.

Limited access to funding, rising input costs and climate related risks remain key hurdles. Despite this, the business continues to grow steadily in production capacity, customer base and community recognition.

“Our goal is to grow the business and be able to supply big supermarkets,” Gwebu added.

In the short term, she plans to increase production and improve infrastructure.

Longer term ambitions include expanding poultry capacity, introducing new vegetable varieties, creating more jobs and supplying retailers and formal markets.

For Gwebu, success is not measured by scale alone.

“Success means running a sustainable, profitable business that feeds communities, creates jobs and inspires youth,” she said.

She believes the future of small scale farming in South Africa is promising, particularly as demand for local food grows and support for small producers strengthens.

“With strong demand for local food, supportive climates and growing backing for small producers, small scale farming has significant potential,” she added.

Gwebu’s journey stands as a powerful example of what is possible when determination, innovation and community support come together.

“My journey shows that young South Africans can build impactful businesses in agriculture with determination, innovation and community support,” she says.

BUSINESS REPORT