FARMING IN MOZAMBIQUE

There are South African farmers spread far and wide outside South Africa's borders. These new Trekkers are making a living where they feel wanted and safer. Fifteen South African farmers left South Africa two years ago for the Inhassoro district in central Mozambique, after getting permission from the Mozambique government. Koos Lee, originally a farmer from Heilbron, is one of them, along with his son Jaap. They run a cattle ranch, Embondeiro, which is leased from the government for 50 years with an option to renew for another 49 years. Koos imported a borehole drill to supply his farm's water needs. A diesel-powered generator provides electricity. A farm house and outside buildings stand where only bush existed before. Koos has employed Mika Motuki, a Mozambique citizen who used to work on the mines in Welkom. Mike and Koos speak Sesotho. Here the day's temperature is often 40°C and checking their beds for snakes and scorpions before getting in, is quite normal. As they say, Africa is not for sissies, and these farmers are living proof. There is no electricity or water pipes in these parts, no tractor spare parts shop nearby. Mobile phone reception is difficult, and the nearest town, Inhassoro, is 70 km away. The only filling station in town still uses a hand pump for to fill cars with petrol. There is one supermarket, the 100-year-old Super Ana, as well as a liquor store, a hardware store and a computer store. Baker Boys is the town's only coffee shop and is owned by Flip and Retha Schoeman. Jean and Natasha Roux are also business owners in town. Jean takes tourists on fishing expeditions or day trips to the islands along the coast line, while Natasha manages a local lodge that belongs to Gerhard and Griet Breedt of Mpumalanga. Michael and Marie Lee also own a local lodge.