Born in Cape Town and based in Gugulethu, Manelisi is the Farmer in Chief. As the head of the business and farming operations for over twenty years, Manelisi oversees the growth and sale of all vegetables on the farm. Most importantly, Manelisi is introducing his love and passion for farming to his family, neighbors, and community: a mission he has dedicated his life to.
      Manelisi - meaning “last born” in Xhosa - started farming from a very young age, learning basic skills and techniques from his late father. After his father passed, Manelisi inherited a plot of land in which his passion for farming only grew. Using advice from neighbors and friends, he expanded his agricultural knowledge, learning the value of crop cycles, soil nourishment, and harvesting seasons. After a few seasons of trial-and-error farming, Manelisi developed a consistent product, gradually increasing his farm to where it is today.
     Despite his agricultural success, Manelisi’s work is just beginning. His goal is to create an environment in which people of all ages can enjoy the farm and learn how to farm from the ground-up. He began by teaching to friends and family, guiding them on general techniques while also displaying the importance of hands-on experience on the farm. Before he knew it, Manelisi was visiting classes and schools, educating the youth in his community on the importance of small-scale farming. He also began handing out seedlings to members of his community to plant on their own.
     Manelisi is committed towards inspiring others with his love of farming. He loves his plants, and he wants others to see the product of his hard work and passion. His vision is clear: to expand the infrastructure, continue to grow crops, and most importantly, create a learning environment that gives others an opportunity to connect with farming in the way that he has.