Dianah Shivambu

Standard Bank's policy to support people who drive enterprise development in various sectors is a way to ensure sustainable community development and entrepreneurship, sayas Dr Nomsa Masuku, Standard Bank;s head of Corporate Social Investment.

Standard Bank recognise the potential of the SA Agri Academy for developing commercial agriculture and adopted it as a social partner in 2006. Masuku explains: "When you support enterprise development, you realise that although financial capital is one area that restricts growth for SME's, another is difficulty in accessing themarkets in which to sell products."

The academy provides services that offers farmers solution to these problems. it was launched in 2002 by Lina keyter, and is aimed specifically at black commercial farmers. The objectives are to offer training, skills, mentorship, and accredited qualifications; and to provide information on and strategic linkages to both local and international markets.

In the past year, SA Agri Academyhas mentored four enterprising woment who are role models in their communities. "Nomsa Ngwenya and Dinah Shivambu are business partners in organic farming; and Zyta Soomar farms over 15 species of proteas,"says Keyter. "These determined women have transformed their commercial farms into successful produce and flower farms, supplying local and international markets with A-grade products."

 Says Ngwenya, "Since joining the SA Agri Academy, I've learnt useful administration skills; but ore importantly, I understand the business of farming, which is something you can't learn from a book." The Academy provides more than a "quick fix"  for eager farmers; it provides constant service delivery, assessment, and mentorship from certified farmers. Says Soomar "Despite the daily challenges, I'm proud that I can watch my business grow, provide for my farmily, and create job opportunities for others."

Keyter notes that Standard Bank's partnership has been invaluable to the academy, providing opportunities to women in the farming industry and turning their dreams into reality through support and direction in a challenging industry.