On a bumpy, winding dirt road deep in the rural area of Mdonjane, near Luyengo in Eswatini, you’ll find a small but remarkable fish farm owned by 36-year-old Mlandvo Sikhondze. As you drive, the rough terrain forces most visitors to park their sedans across the river and walk the rest of the way to his home. It is here, amidst the challenging conditions of rural life, that Mlandvo’s inspiring journey from civil engineer to fish farmer unfolds.

Mlandvo’s story begins in Nhlangano, where he attended Evelyn Baring High School. After completing his studies there, his passion for engineering led him across the border to South Africa, where he enrolled at the Vaal University of Technology. He graduated with a National Diploma in Civil Engineering and embarked on a career in the field. For years, he worked as a civil engineer at Peak Timbers in Northern Hhohho, until the Covid-19 pandemic brought everything to a halt.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Mlandvo, like many others, lost his job due to retrenchments. The timber company, unable to weather the storm of the economic downturn, laid off hundreds of employees. Mlandvo suddenly found himself without an income and with a family to support—his wife and three young children, all still in school.

“It was one of the most difficult times in my life,” he recalls. “I had a family depending on me, and I couldn’t just sit and do nothing. I had to find a way to provide for them.”

With few formal job opportunities available, Mlandvo began looking into farming. After much consideration, he decided to pursue fish farming, drawn by its niche market potential in Eswatini. Most fish consumed in the country is imported, creating an opportunity for local farmers to fill this gap. Despite his background in civil engineering, Mlandvo took on the challenge with the same determination and skill he applied to his previous career.

Using his last bit of pension savings and contributions from supportive relatives, Mlandvo built his first fishpond. Drawing on his engineering expertise, he designed a system that recycles water, reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental impact. His innovative pond is made from a water tank that has been cut in half, and with the help of a pump, water is circulated in and out of the system. He also installed an oxygen pump to ensure that his fish—a breed of Tilapia—have the right conditions to thrive.

“With this system, I recycle the same water to keep the operation going, which helps protect the environment and reduces costs,” he explains. It’s a sustainable solution, one that has allowed Mlandvo to push forward with his fish farming dreams despite limited resources.

However, financial challenges have been a constant hurdle. Mlandvo’s proposals for funding have been rejected by financial institutions, citing his lack of collateral. “It’s been difficult,” he admits. “I applied for funding everywhere, but no one would take a chance on me. Still, I kept pushing.”

Despite these obstacles, Mlandvo recently managed to purchase 15 breeder Tilapia fish from Project Canaan, an organization supporting underprivileged children in the rural area of Gebeni. These fish are crucial to his operation, as they will produce more than 1,000 fingerlings, which Mlandvo plans to sell to local supermarkets and individual customers.

“It’s a small start, but I’m hopeful,” he says. “From these 15 fish, I can scale up my production. The demand for Tilapia is there; I just need a bit more support to grow.”

Mlandvo’s fish farming venture is not just about providing for his family; it’s about empowering his community. With over 50% of young people in Eswatini under the age of 35 unemployed, he sees fish farming as an opportunity to train and employ others. “I believe fish farming can create jobs for young people,” Mlandvo says with conviction. “We can train them, give them skills, and empower them to start their own businesses.”

His vision is clear: to not only scale his operation but to make a lasting impact on the rural community of Mdonjane. However, without access to proper funding, scaling remains a challenge. Mlandvo is appealing to anyone who can offer financial support, resources, or mentorship. “With just a little assistance, I can take this project to the next level,” he says. “This could change so many lives, not just mine.”

Mlandvo’s journey is a reflection of resilience and ingenuity. His shift from civil engineer to fish farmer was born out of necessity, but it has blossomed into a passion that holds the potential to transform not only his life but the lives of many others. His story is one of hope, and with the right support, his fish farming project could become a model of success in rural Eswatini.

As Mlandvo continues to push forward, he remains optimistic. “I know there are challenges, but I believe in what I’m doing,” he says. “This is not just about making money; it’s about building something sustainable, something that can help my family and my community for years to come.”

To get in touch with Mlandvo, call/whatsapp: +268 7646 2904 | 7902 5242 Email: m.sonsecosolutions@outlook.com

Ream more: Fish Farming Techniques – (agribusinessmedia.com)