In the heart of South Africa’s agricultural landscape, Calab Baloyi, the founder of Nosso-Sunflower Oil (Pty) Ltd, is transforming both the local economy and the way we think about sustainable farming. His company, known for manufacturing quality sunflower oil in 5-litre, 10-litre, and 20-litre quantities, also sells the remaining sunflower oil cake as animal feed to poultry and piggery farmers. Baloyi’s journey from township life to agricultural innovator illustrates how organic farming practices can foster environmental sustainability, local economic growth, and community empowerment.
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Growing up in Orange Farm, a close-knit township community, Baloyi learned the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and resilience from a young age. Raised by a single mother who worked hard to provide for her children, he experienced the challenges of limited resources such as quality education and economic hardship firsthand. Despite these challenges, Baloyi was committed to education, earning good grades, and was accepted into the University of Johannesburg to study accountancy. Unfortunately, due to his mother’s illness, he couldn’t complete his final year and had to seek employment. His journey into the corporate world allowed him to gain valuable experience at corporate companies.
Cultivating Growth and Innovation – From Cabbages to Sunflower Oil
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced Baloyi to rethink his career. After losing his job and spending 10 months in isolation, he saw his mother planting cabbages in her small garden, which sparked an idea. With limited capital and resources, he approached a local church for access to unused land, securing 1,500 square metres to start his agricultural venture. To gain the skills needed, he attended agricultural training with an NGO, Afrika Tikkun, despite the organisation only offering courses to the elderly. His dedication paid off, and in 2021, he registered his first company, Tshemba-Ntsako Projects (Pty) Ltd, selling Fordhook Giant spinach and cabbage to local street vendors and eventually partnering with a local Supermarket at Eyethu Mall in Orange Farm.
Baloyi’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop there. As demand for his spinach grew, he realised the need for more land to scale production. Unable to expand due to land constraints, he began seeking alternatives. He remembered a session he attended with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) about sunflower production. In 2022, he pivoted his focus to sunflower oil, buying seeds and producing oil without the need for additional land. This move marked the birth of Nosso-Sunflower Oil (Pty) Ltd, with “Nosso” meaning “ours” in Latin, symbolising a product made by and for disadvantaged communities from townships and rural areas.
Baloyi’s transition to sunflower oil production was a defining moment in his entrepreneurial career. Despite resistance from some in his community who viewed traditional farming methods as the only viable path, Baloyi embraced innovation and emerged as a pathfinder. His commitment to organic farming not only aligned with his vision for health and sustainability but also demonstrated the power of local entrepreneurship to create jobs and inspire others. Through workshops and community engagement, he continues to educate people about the benefits of organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices.
Impact and Legacy: Baloyi’s Journey of Resilience and Achievement
Baloyi’s hard work and resilience have earned him numerous accolades, including:
• Farm Worker of the Year 2023 (South African Agricultural Awards)
• Best Agro-Processor of the Year 2024 (1st place, Youth in Agriculture)
• SME Toolkit South Africa Business Plan Competition 2024 (Winner)
• Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA) Kasi Pitching Challenge (2024 Winner, Sebokeng, R50,000 cash prize)
These achievements not only validate Baloyi’s efforts but also provide crucial funding for his business. The prize money from the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA) Pitching Challenge, for example, will allow him to purchase a larger oil filtration machine, a vital step in expanding his business. It’s without a doubt that township entrepreneurs like Baloyi represent the future of South African agriculture by fostering sustainable, community-driven initiatives.
Beyond accolades, Baloyi’s impact is felt in his community. In partnership with the GDARD and the Orange Farm Skills Centre, he facilitates agricultural training for young people through the EPWP programme, helping to cultivate the next generation of farmers. He believes that the future of agriculture, especially agro-processing, lies in the hands of the youth, who can drive community-driven farms and adopt modern farming technologies like precision farming, drones and mobile apps. His vision extends beyond profits as he aims to leave a legacy for the next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs.
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Calab Baloyi is no superhero from a Marvel comic; he is a township resident, living proof that change is possible through grit and determination. As he continues to expand Nosso-Sunflower Oil (Pty) Ltd, his story resonates deeply with both community members and corporate stakeholders, highlighting the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs committed to sustainability. His vision of sustainable farming, community empowerment, and a brighter future for South Africa is one we can all share. Baloyi reminds us that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to cultivate not just crops but a better future for all.
