Gene Likhanya - Madimbo Macs and Mac Swarm Group

Macadamia farming, in conjunction with Madimbo Macs and Mac Swarm Group, is a relatively new SAB Foundation investment that takes advantage of this rapidly growing industry in the old Venda region of Limpopo Province.

This initiative sees the backing of a successful macadamia farmer, Gene Likhanya, who had a vision to create a learning and support system for many other small macadamia growers in the area.

By increasing the Madimbo Macs farms by 30 hectares, the SAB Foundation has assisted Gene to solidify his standing as a leader in the area. He receives ongoing mentoring and, in turn, mentors 12 other small macadamia farmers through a co-operative he has set up.

The SAB Foundation has assisted all 12 farmers with land preparation, access to water, seedlings and everything else required to extend these farms to reach five hectares each.

 Since macadamia nuts have a six year lag before they begin generating revenue, all farmers have planted vegetables between the macadamia trees to ensure cash flow and put complimentary nutrients into the soil.