Written by Gerda Potgieter
In July, Emseni Farming has been honoured as the winner of the Agricultural and Agri-Processing Sector category at the 2026 KZN Top Business Awards, recognising not only its excellence in agricultural production but also its strong commitment to community development and local employment. This award, in association with Standard Bank and the Women of the Year group, celebrates businesses that inspire confidence and pride in the community and stakeholders.
Emseni is in the fertile Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal near Kranskop. It has grown into a thriving agricultural enterprise producing avocados, peppers and dairy products for local and international markets. Its operations span more than 300 hectares of avocado orchards, 14 hectares of advanced greenhouse pepper production, among other ventures, supplying quality products to consumers across South Africa and beyond.
Emseni is farming with grace. For them, it means having an attitude of humility, wisdom, honesty, and dependence on the Lord to do the work He has called them to do. Community upliftment is at the core of its work as they realise that all of it is a grace from God.
At the core of Emseni Farming’s story is a legacy of service rooted in KwaSizabantu Mission, founded in 1970 by Rev Erlo Stegen. Recognising the region’s fertile soils and water resources, Rev Stegen established farming to create employment, support community initiatives, and sustain the mission’s work, fostering a sense of shared history and trust.
What began with a vision to serve others has grown into an operation that provides employment for more than 750 people from surrounding rural communities. Yet the measure of Emseni Farming’s success extends far beyond its fields and packhouses. Proceeds from the farming operations help support KwaSizabantu’s extensive outreach efforts, including providing three free nutritious meals daily to more than 1 200 people, distributing food and water to communities in need, and hosting thousands of visitors each year, including the well-known youth conferences twice a year.
Community upliftment remains central to Emseni Farming’s purpose. Through agricultural training, seedling distribution, and subsidised fruit tree projects, Emseni Farming empowers individuals and families to grow their own food and build sustainable livelihoods, fostering hope and resilience in the community.
This award is a celebration of a business built on faith, hard work and a genuine desire to serve others. As Emseni Farming looks to the future, it remains committed to growing not only exceptional produce, but also opportunities, hope and lasting impact throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
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Date published: 26/07/2026
Feature image: Provided by source
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