From losing his job during the pandemic to running a thriving organic plot, Daniel is inspiring his community and the next generation of farmers.
Knysna, South Africa (21 September 2025)- South African farmer Daniel Hetjies from Rheenendal, Knysna, has been featured on Humans Who Grow Food, a global storytelling platform that celebrates home gardeners, small-scale farmers, and community growers across more than 100 countries. The project highlights how people from all walks of life are building sustainable futures by growing their own food.
Daniel’s journey into farming began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he lost his job and income. At that point, the owner of Homtini Farm offered unused plots of land to locals, and Daniel seized the opportunity. What started as a means to feed his family quickly grew into a sustainable business.
“I am a small-scale, hard-working farmer who has a vegetable plot as part of the Lucky Star Growers’ Project and Umthombo Trust. I grow organic vegetables and herbs to feed my family and to sell locally through my self-made WhatsApp group and delivery service.”
Today, Daniel manages a 70m x 20m plot where he produces a wide variety of crops, including beetroot, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, leeks, peppers, butternut, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, celery, garlic, and several herbs. His focus is on nurturing the soil through compost, manure, aerated compost tea, and fermented comfrey tea.
The farmers in his community work together by saving and sharing seeds, and sometimes sourcing from their local agricultural co-op. But challenges remain, particularly from wildlife.
“My biggest hurdle is baboons. A big troop regularly moves through the area and ransacks our gardens. We have tried numerous non-lethal methods, but it is a constant struggle.”
Despite these obstacles, Daniel describes his journey as rewarding. Farming has not only provided income but also strengthened family bonds. His son, Calvin, now works alongside him in the garden.
“Watching him grow and learn has been a big reward.”
Beyond his own household, Daniel is passing his knowledge on to others. He teaches local youth about the benefits of growing food and often encourages neighbours to start gardens of their own.
“It can be very profitable to grow food. Farming is a worthwhile pursuit for young and old alike.”
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