In 2025, at the age of just 13, Ndjombo Chabang approached his father for funding to bring his dream of farming to life. Observing how his father managed various enterprises, he understood what was required to start his own business and decided to forge his own path.
His father, Moses Chabang, provided him with the necessary support to establish Golden Roost Farm in Lulekani, Phalaborwa, Limpopo. The R10,575 from his father covered expenses for the first batch of about 100 chicks, equipment, transportation, and other initial costs. Subsequently, he increased broiler production to 400 chicks per cycle.
Chabang noted: 'My first 100 chickens were my real training ground, where I learned from my own experience, including the difficulties and mistakes I encountered.'
Currently, 14-year-old Chabang also draws knowledge from other farmers on social media, particularly TikTok and YouTube. He mentioned following farmers such as Makwala Agri, Shopa, and J Farmers, whose content helped him master poultry farming and improve his skills.
As the business grew, Chabang needed more equipment but could not afford to buy it. After registering his business in 2025, he sought sponsorship from Poltek Poultry Equipment. The company assisted him during the second broiler growing cycle.
He emphasized: 'Their help allowed me to get the necessary equipment to manage and develop my farm.' The sponsorship included three large chicken feeders, two adult chicken drinkers, four small feeders, four young chick drinkers, a heating lamp and its stand, four anti-drowning rings, and legs for poultry equipment.
The teenager, who is currently in grade 8 at All Saints College in Phalaborwa, told Food For Mzansi that during school holidays and weekends, he wakes up around five in the morning to start daily agricultural work. He opens side curtains for ventilation, cleans the farm, and checks water and feed levels.
Around seven in the morning, he monitors the movement, behavior, and breathing of the chickens, looking for signs of illness. An hour later, he usually has breakfast and waits for a water tanker to fill his JoJo tank before paying for the service. Water scarcity remains a problem that increases operating costs.
During the day, he performs other duties, including turning bedding, depurating when necessary, and logging farm visits. Around four in the afternoon, he replenishes water and feed supplies, closes the side curtains, and checks the security cameras. He also locks the gates and ensures the safety of the premises, as theft poses a serious threat in his area.
Chabang considers biosecurity vital for maintaining the health of the chickens. He restricts visitors, maintains cleanliness, controls access, and follows proper hygiene practices.
He explained that he chose broiler farming because it required less initial capital compared to other types of farming. 'Since my father funded my business, I had to start with something affordable.'
His father also wanted to teach him the value of money and responsibility. He made it clear that Chabang would have to repay the borrowed funds. 'This taught me to take business seriously and manage finances wisely.'
Business registration was another complication, as Chabang is still a minor, and the business had to be registered in his father's name. On school days, his father manages the farm, while Chabang tries to balance business duties with his studies.
He stated: 'I prioritize my education, planning farm tasks around my school schedule. During holidays, I dedicate more time to managing my poultry farm.'
Despite the challenges of balancing school and farming, his passion motivates him to work hard in both fields. Farming in Phalaborwa has brought additional difficulties, including extreme heat, which he addressed by buying more fans. Power outages have also led to losses. He noted: 'When I rent, other tenants sometimes cut off the electricity, causing my heating lamps to stop working and the chicks to die.'
Water scarcity has also contributed to high chick mortality. However, he refuses to let this overshadow his passion for farming.
Chabang's customers include local residents, kindergartens, and buyers from inland areas. As Golden Roost Farm grows, he hopes to reach the commercial market by supplying fresh, quality poultry to businesses and building long-term relationships.
In the future, Chabang plans to study business management and other related courses. He intends to use the knowledge gained to create enterprises that generate opportunities and jobs for others. He said: 'I want to use my knowledge to become a successful entrepreneur and contribute to my community.'
Meanwhile, the young farmer continues to work diligently on developing his poultry business, securing his future, and contributing to food security.