OUTAPI – The winner of the Emerging Horticulture 2014 Producer category and the owner of Second Chance farm outside Outapi is living proof that disability does not mean inability.
The awards are organised annually by the Namibia Agronomic Board.
Epafras Hilengwa who underwent a major brain operation in 2008 said he lost his speech, hearing and concentration after the operation.
“In 2009, I could not even speak, but I slowly regained my speech, hearing and concentration although it is still very poor,” related Hilengwa.
After Hilengwa regained his speech, hearing and concentration he decided in 2011 to use his past experience in farming to establish a vegetable and fruit farm called Second Chance.
He said the name Second Chance gives praise to God for giving him another chance to live and make a living after the operation that left him speech-impaired.
“I started the business with my wife. When we started we worked with my wife in the morning and were assisted by our children in the afternoon when they returned from school,” says Hilengwa.
The farm employs eight permanent staff with additional staff that can add up to 40 employees to assist during harvesting. They are in return given the surplus or goods that are edible but do not meet market demand.
Apart from being a job creator, Hilengwa also gives vegetables and fruit from his surplus to schools in the community.
From the profits of the farm Hilengwa and his family were able to purchase a brand-new tractor as well as a Tata pick-up that he uses to transport his produce to the market.
With the festive season approaching he is going the extra mile to purchase another pick-up because one will not be enough to transport his produce.
Hilengwa also plans to expand the farm which will create more jobs for locals.
Hilengwa encourages other people with disabilities to stand up and make something out of their lives.
“Who thought I would have a farm today?” questioned the God-fearing Hilengwa.
He advised that one only needs a positive idea to get a business rolling.
“Even if you are living with a disability you can manage the farm and employ people to do the work,” enthuses Hilengwa.
His wish is to employ people living with disabilities so that they live the testimony that disability does not mean inability and be exemplary to fellow people living with disabilities to come out in the open and be proactive.