Vazuvasana Tjozongoro is a determined man. He intends to take dog breeding to new heights and would stop at nothing to achieve that feat. An ardent livestock farmer who has grown into a culture of mixed farming, Tjozongoro has over the years kept some cattle and goats at Orevia village, located some 90km southeast of Gobabis in the Aminuis constituency.
It is from here that his love for an even more diversified farming model took shape. Putting such a model into practice was just a matter of time for the young teacher - another great passion of his. All he needed was a little more planning and drive to get it done. And that finally happened in 2021.
That year ushered in a new approach into Tjozongoro’s farming, and with a little help from friends and family alike, Hiakarungu Windhonde (Greyhounds) was born. His greatest inspiration came from fellow greyhound breeder, Vezemba Katuuo, who has made a considerable impact on the breed over the years.
“I learned so much from Vezemba about dog breeding until I decided to follow his footsteps and venture into this type of farming. It has been a great ride ever since,” he said.
Tjozongoro, who despite being a prominent member of his school’s administration and being generally rated high amongst his peers for his demeanour and enthusiasm for farming amongst others, has also been an active football player for the Omaheke regional team for years. Such is the diversity he intends applying to his dog breeding business.
“I have five dogs currently; two females and three males. This farming is targeting clients who are in need of dogs for hunting purposes, furthermore I am planning to start taking them to shows and market the business while showcasing what I am producing. I am currently preparing them for the local Onderombapa show which will take place this year in December,” he said.
He is already relishing in the success of his first offspring from his business, which he sold to various people in and around Omaheke region. He plans to broaden this with his second offspring later this year, and is prepared to serve everyone needing the speedy and agile legs of the great greyhound.
“In terms of selling, it depends how old the puppy is, but I am giving them after they turn two to three months old after their second vaccine. Mostly the plan is to exchange one puppy with two goat kids or two sheep lambs or N$2 500 in cash. The business is still fresh and growing, so I don’t have a fixed market, for now I can sell to anyone who is interested countrywide,” he said.
Tjozongoro is convinced that the greyhound is a great asset for legitimate hunters, noting that they will ‘eleven out of ten times’ bring down the prey. He has recently strengthened his breeding business with the purchase of a male greyhound from industry renowned greyhound breeder, Gert du Plessies in Okahandja. The idea is to upgrade the bloodline of his breed and avoid inbreeding.
It is not all a bed of roses, Tjozongoro said, as the business requires great commitment and effort to make it work. You cannot afford to leave anything to chance, he said.
“There are challenges such as the cost of feed, vaccination and putting up proper structures; these are all very costly. Furthermore, these dogs are very sensitive, they need proper care. Every day good hygiene is necessary, their bowls of food and drinking water must be kept clean at all times,” said Tjozongoro.
Despite all these challenges, Tjozongoro believes that the business has what it takes to succeed.
“With no hesitation, I’ll say it’s very profitable when you put all your efforts into it. I’m advising the youth to venture into this type of farming and reap sweeter fruits after their hard work. It really pays off. My ambition is to become one of the top greyhound breeders in Namibia after a few years,” he said.