ASILIMENI MASWATI | EPISODE 21: Strawberry Farming with Happiness Shabangu - Simelane

In this episode of Asilimeni Maswati, we visit a thriving farm in Hawane, where farmer Happiness Shabangu-Simelane is building a dynamic agribusiness centred on strawberry production, value addition and agritourism. Shabangu-Simelane shares how her journey into farming has grown into a diversified enterprise that now includes nearly 10,000 strawberry plants, alongside rabbits, broilers, Makhaya chickens, maize and beans. What started as a farming venture has developed into a business supplying major supermarkets, restaurants, weddings and individual customers, while also creating employment and new opportunities in the Highveld. Her strawberries are sold to outlets such as Pick n Pay and OK Foods, while the farm has also become home to Eswatini’s first strawberry pick-your-own experience, attracting families, young people and visitors looking for a unique farm outing. In this episode, Shabangu-Simelane explains: • How she manages commercial strawberry production in the Highveld • The importance of mulching plastic in weed control, moisture conservation and pest reduction • Why correct spacing and soil pH are critical for quality fruit production • How she uses rabbit and chicken manure as organic inputs • The role of irrigation in maintaining healthy strawberry plants • Why excessive rainfall is one of the biggest threats to strawberry farming She also shares how her farm is adding value through strawberry juice and jam, while preparing to expand its agritourism offering with more visitor facilities and improved infrastructure. Beyond strawberries, Shabangu-Simelane explains how diversification into livestock and crops helps stabilise income, improve cash flow and support sustainable farming through nutrient recycling. Her story also highlights the growing role of digital marketing in agriculture, as she uses platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to promote her farm, connect with customers and grow her market reach. As a member of the Hawane Multipurpose Cooperative, she also speaks about the importance of collaboration, shared learning and stronger market coordination among farmers. Through her experience, viewers will learn: • How to start small and scale a horticulture business gradually • Why diversification is important in reducing farming risk • How agritourism can increase farm income • The value of processing fresh produce into longer-lasting products • Why treating farming like a business is key to long-term success Shabangu-Simelane’s message to aspiring farmers is clear: do not be afraid to start small, keep learning, and always look for new ways to add value. “Research constantly and treat farming like a business.” Watch the episode to discover how strawberries, smart production methods and innovation are helping build a profitable farming enterprise in Eswatini. 📺 Subscribe to Agribusiness Media for more inspiring farming stories and practical agricultural knowledge from across Eswatini.