Leaving a job without knowing exactly what would come next pushed Mduduzi Gambu towards an industry he had already encountered from the other side of the supply chain – agriculture.
The 28-year-old Orange Farm entrepreneur started Farming with Gambu in 2022 after previously working at Shoprite, where handling fresh produce sparked his interest in how vegetables move from farms to consumers.
“When I resigned, I started thinking about what I could do for myself. I remembered my experience with fresh produce and thought, why not start farming and produce my own vegetables?” Gambu said.
What began on a small scale has since developed into a CIPC-registered agricultural business producing spinach, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, kale, beans, green beans, beetroot, pumpkin and seasonal crops. Gambu is also developing a poultry operation aimed at producing fresh eggs.
His work has now attracted attention beyond his community. Gambu has entered the 2026 South African Agricultural Awards in the Upcoming and Commercial Farmer category. The awards are scheduled for October 16 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
For Gambu, the recognition represents an opportunity to put township agriculture in the spotlight.
“It is also an opportunity to represent Orange Farm and demonstrate what can be achieved through agriculture, determination and entrepreneurship,” he said.
His progress has come despite limited access to funding, equipment and infrastructure, alongside challenges including pests, difficult weather conditions and crop losses.
Instead of waiting until he had every resource available, Gambu says he learned to adapt.
“When something does not work, I learn from it and try a different approach,” he said.
That philosophy also shapes how Farming with Gambu operates within the community. Produce is sold directly to local residents, and Gambu said he sometimes allows customers who cannot immediately afford vegetables to take produce and pay later, including after grant payments or at month-end.
His longer-term plans include expanding tunnel and open-field production, improving irrigation and equipment, developing the poultry operation and supplying more households, vendors, restaurants and other businesses.
He also wants the enterprise to eventually create employment and practical agricultural opportunities for young people.
His message to aspiring farmers reflects the lessons of his own start.
“Start with what you have and don’t be afraid to start small, don’t be afraid to fail also, it’s part of a journey #uvuke uyicoshe!” Gambu said.
For the young farmer, agriculture is not simply about putting crops into the ground. It is about turning available resources into income, food and eventually opportunities for others.
