By Noko Mashilo
Nestled in the heart of Brits in the North West, Kabelo Lekalakala is making significant strides in agriculture with his dynamic and innovative ostrich farm. Combining tradition with modern practices, he has turned a lifelong passion for ostriches into a thriving venture, focusing on raising healthy chicks and promoting sustainable farming methods.
Lekalakala’s journey began when he transported 15 ostrich chicks from Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape to Mmamogalieskraal in the North West. He told Vutivi News that ostrich farming flourished in warm, dry climates with ample grazing space. “That’s why the Karoo, and particularly Oudtshoorn, is known as the ostrich capital of the world. I bought my first 15 chicks there in 2019 to start my farm.
“The climate in Brits is also favourable, but I adjust the breeding season, starting in July, to avoid the summer rains. By the time the rainy season begins, the chicks are a month older and strong enough to be housed safely,” explained the owner of Pitso Ostrich Farm. His daily routine involves early mornings dedicated to health checks and ensuring the condition of the farm’s fencing. “Depending on the season, I clean their housing, remove hazards, change their water, and feed them,” said the 35-year-old farmer from Bapong village.
Lekalakala also emphasised the importance of observing the birds’ behaviour. “Ostriches are naturally found in flocks, so if one isolates itself, that’s a sign something is wrong. I then quarantine it and administer medical care,” he explained.
He shared his admiration for the male ostrich’s distinctive vocalisations, which included booming, hissing and grunting sounds. “For them, it’s a way of signalling danger or asserting territory, especially during mating season. They can run up to 70 km per hour. For me, their calls are therapeutic,” he added. Lekalakala highlighted the various products ostriches provided, including meat, leather, feathers and eggs.
“Ostrich leather is highly sought after in the fashion industry. As for my farm, people mainly buy the eggs for rituals or decorative purposes. I’m working towards expanding into the supply of meat, hides and feathers,” he said. Looking ahead, Lekalakala aims to pioneer ostrich farming in the inland region by supplying aspiring farmers with day-old chicks and supporting them until the birds reach slaughter age. “This will create a network of farmers who can collectively grow the industry and contribute to the R2.1 billion ostrich industry,” he said.
