Kopano Citrus, a beacon of unity, has embarked on a journey to make a real difference in the community.
With the support of the Economic Transformation of Black Citrus Growers (ETBCG) programme, this farming community is not only thriving but also witnessing the blossoming of a citrus business that is changing the landscape and the lives of its people.
Unity with a purpose
Kopano Citrus believes in unity as a concept and a tangible force for positive change. The community has extended its hands to those with disabilities, recognising their potential and the need for sustainable employment.
They have created job opportunities that go beyond a pay cheque, aiming to provide individuals and their families with a means to sustain themselves.
The shift to citrus
It all started with asking for a helping hand. Piet Engelbrecht a visionary within the Kopano Citrus community, played a crucial role in realising the need for change. Recognising that the traditional cash crop was struggling due to extreme weather conditions, particularly the scorching heat, a shift was needed.
Engelbrecht identified citrus, specifically lemons, as a more resilient and permanent crop.
FNB's support
While the vision for a citrus revolution was clear, the path to its realisation required financial support. Agriculture is a capital-intensive activity, typically with years passing between initial investment and revenue. The primary challenge facing small scale farmers is access to reasonably priced, reasonably termed funding to drive capital investment in their enterprises.
Spearheaded by the Citrus Growers Association (CGA), Jobs Fund and FNB, this is where the in ETBCG programme stepped in.
Understanding the potential impact on the community and the lives of those involved the key innovation of the ETBCG programme was the funding structure, which is split almost equally between grant and commercial funding. Farmers receive 36% of their funding as a pure grant. The remaining 64% is structured as a blended loan at reduced interest rates from the Jobs Fund, CGA and FNB. The result is that the farmers ultimately receive a blended loan at lower-than-prime rates.
Community transformation
The impact of this support on Kopano Citrus has been nothing short of transformative. The funding provided resulted in the creation of 40 permanent jobs within the community. These jobs not only put food on the tables of the workers but also extended the ripple effect to 40 families, creating a web of positive change that travels through the entire community.
The journey to success
Today, Kopano Citrus is a success story that reflects the resilience and determination of a community united for a common cause.
The once-struggling farmers are now excelling, and the citrus orchards are flourishing, mirroring the growth and prosperity that the community envisions for itself.
The financial assistance provided by the ETBCG programme has not only changed the trajectory of the business but has also contributed to the overall well-being and growth of the Kopano community.
