In the eucalyptus plantations outside White River, a group of women are turning resilience and hard work into a thriving venture through the Siyatiphilisa Groundnut Project.
Over the past six years, forestry company MTO Group has supported the initiative, providing 122 women from surrounding villages with land to cultivate peanuts. Most of the women are heads of households, raising grandchildren or supporting families alone. What began as a means to put food on the table has now evolved into a business, addressing the challenge of food security in rural communities.
EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH THE SIYATIPHILISA GROUNDNUT PROJECT
The women recently launched their own product, Siyatiphilisa Smooth Peanut Butter, which is now available for sale in their communities. The brand represents years of determination and the chance to secure a sustainable income.
CHANGING LIVES ONE HARVEST AT A TIME
For many, the project has eased the pressure of daily life. “The money I make from farming helps me provide food for my family and keep the household running,” said Maria Nonyane, a long-standing member of the project.
Others have been able to invest in the basics that make home life more comfortable. “Through this work, I’ve managed to buy important items for my house, and that gives me a sense of stability,” explained Julia Nkuna.
Beyond finances, the work brings health and healing. Members describe long walks to the plantations as both exercise and stress relief. Some say that sharing peanuts and jugo beans at home enriches their family meals.
TRAINING, MARKET ACCESS AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
The women’s big break came in 2022, when they supplied Kalinda Trading, a peanut butter manufacturer based in Pretoria. That milestone opened the door to creating their own brand. With training from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and ongoing support from MTO, they are now exploring broader markets.
LAUNCHING SIYATIPHILISA SMOOTH PEANUT BUTTER
“The success of the Siyatiphilisa project shows what can be achieved when communities and industry work together,” said Nwabisa Nika, Siyatiphilisa Project Manager at MTO Group. “These women have turned a small farming initiative into a sustainable business that supports families and inspires others across the region.”
For now, their jars are sold locally, but the women encourage community members and potential partners to support their brand by becoming resellers and helping to expand their business. As Nonyane put it: “Seeing our own peanut butter on the shelves makes me proud. It shows our hard work has not been in vain and inspires us to dream bigger for our community.”
