By Staff Reporter
Naledi Farm’s recent triumph at the South African Agricultural Awards — where it earned the prestigious Rising Tourism Award — marks a proud and remarkable moment not only for the farm itself, but for South Africa’s growing agritourism landscape. Held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, the awards celebrate excellence, innovation, sustainability, and community impact across the country’s agricultural sector. This year, Naledi Farm stood out as a beacon of creativity, environmental stewardship, and cultural rootedness, fully deserving of this honour.
Nestled on a serene three-hectare agricultural smallholding in Laezonia, just outside Centurion, Naledi Farm has become far more than a picturesque escape from city life. It has grown into a sanctuary of learning, healing, and cultural reconnection. Bearing the name “Naledi” — a tribute both to the owners’ youngest child and the symbolic idea of a guiding star — the farm’s philosophy is woven deeply into every corner of its space. Naledi Farm’s mission is not simply to welcome visitors, but to guide them towards a renewed appreciation of nature, community, and self.
Naledi Farm’s story began long before its establishment as a thriving agritourism destination. Its roots are intertwined with the creation of Tshimong ya Meroho le Naledi, a children’s book written by Manti Maifadi in Sesotho, which uses colourful illustrations and storytelling to teach children about self-sufficiency, environmental consciousness, and the interconnectedness of all life. The book not only seeded the idea for the farm’s educational ethos but also sparked a movement that would grow into an immersive, hands-on learning environment. With its endorsement and excellent review from the Department of Education, the book laid a solid foundation for the farm’s broader impact.
From its inception in 2015, Naledi Farm has embodied the courage and determination of its founders Manti and Samuel Maifadi, who turned their home into a living classroom and restorative retreat. Their decision to open their doors to guests was fuelled by a desire to share the invaluable lessons of the land — through food, nature, storytelling, and community. Today, the farm attracts urban dwellers, families, school groups, creatives, and knowledge seekers who are drawn to its authenticity and soul-nourishing experiences.
One of the key features that makes Naledi Farm award-worthy is the diverse range of programmes and activities it offers. Its organic vegetable garden, designed using environmentally conscious methods, has become both the heart of the farm and a learning site for visitors of all ages. No pesticides are used, and seasonal rotations, companion planting, homemade compost, and indigenous knowledge create a thriving ecosystem that welcomes butterflies, birds, insects, and learners alike. Whether harvesting rainbow carrots, observing pollinators, or exploring different herbs, guests are reminded of the elegant rhythms of nature.
The beloved Harvest Table series — one of the farm’s flagship projects — beautifully encapsulates Naledi Farm’s essence. These monthly communal gatherings merge food, knowledge-sharing, storytelling, and panoramic views of the valley and Schurweberg mountain range. Each event features a guest speaker who shares their “harvest” of wisdom, skill, or lived experience. Over the years, a diverse group of authors, healers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and community builders have graced the farm, contributing to an ever-growing tapestry of insight and inspiration.
Children are also at the centre of Naledi Farm’s vision. Through school excursions, gardening classes, holiday camps, and weekend workshops, the farm fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a deep respect for nature. These programmes offer an alternative form of education — one rooted in touch, smell, taste, exploration, and holistic development. Naledi Farm understands that children who grow up connected to the earth often become compassionate, confident, and innovative adults.
The farm’s offerings extend further to family retreats, African-centred healing experiences, bread-making sessions, farm tours, team-building activities, and dialogues around the fire. The Garden to Table cooking demos allow visitors to harvest produce, cook alongside guest chefs, and enjoy an unforgettable meal — literally from soil to plate. Meanwhile, the monthly Market @Naledi Farm brings together local farmers, gardeners, artists, and craft makers, promoting economic participation and seasonal, sustainable living.
Beyond its educational and tourism ventures, Naledi Farm is deeply committed to community upliftment. The annual Poitjie Day fundraiser is a celebration of togetherness and generosity, where cooks compete for a cause and proceeds support social development initiatives. Partnerships with environmental scientists, community leaders, farmers, and indigenous knowledge holders further enrich the farm’s impact.
Receiving the Rising Tourism Award affirms what guests, partners, and supporters have known for years: Naledi Farm is a transformative space. It is a place where land meets legacy, where community meets creativity, and where tourism meets purpose. The award recognises not only what Naledi Farm has already achieved, but also its extraordinary potential for growth. As it continues to design edible gardens, expand its farm school, deepen its indigenous food programmes, and inspire future generations, its star will only shine brighter.
In celebrating this milestone, we honour a couple whose shared vision has blossomed into a living legacy; children whose wonder inspired a movement; a community that gathered around a dream; and a farm that has become a home for many. Naledi Farm has shown that tourism can be meaningful, educational, sustainable, and healing — all at once.
Congratulations to Naledi Farm on this well-deserved achievement. May its guiding star continue to illuminate paths, nurture communities, and inspire South Africa for generations to come.
