A childhood spent caring for goats has become the foundation of a business venture for the North-West University (NWU) student Agobakwe Tau “Deman” Diphoko. Starting with just five goats, he is building Ane-Man Pty Ltd, a goat-milk enterprise that combines agriculture, logistics and entrepreneurship. 

Agobakwe has already taken his idea beyond the university. He reached the national finals of a youth entrepreneurship competition in Sandton, Gauteng, where he represented the NWU and North West. His business pitch ranked among the top 30 proposals nationally. 

The BComHons in transport economics student grew up in a family where farming played an important role. He spent much of his childhood helping on his uncle's farm. There, he learnt to care for goats and milk them.

“I was born into a family where agriculture was not simply a way of life. It was also a means of income and a source of education,” he says. “Agriculture helped put food on our table and helped take me to school.” 

His business idea gained direction after he joined the student training for entrepreneurial promotion (STEP) programme. The programme taught him about customers, finance, marketing, operations and resource management. 

Agobakwe then started developing Ane-Man Pty Ltd. His uncle gave him access to part of the family farm and five goats to start his herd.

“My uncle did not simply give me five goats,” says Agobakwe. “He gave me an opportunity to test my idea and begin building my own future.” 

Dr Kezell Klinck from the School of Management Sciences says his journey shows how young people can turn existing knowledge into business opportunities.

“Agobakwe’s journey reminds us that entrepreneurship often begins with what people already know,” she says. 

The journey has not been without setbacks. Limited funding has slowed plans to expand the herd and buy equipment. Agobakwe has applied for government grants and other funding opportunities. Rejections, however, have not stopped him.

“Sometimes you apply and receive no response. Sometimes you are rejected. Sometimes you must start again,” he says. 

His transport economics studies also form part of his business plan. He believes agriculture needs sound transport and supply chains to move products from farms to markets.

His long-term goal goes beyond selling goat milk. Agobakwe wants Ane-Man to support farmers, create opportunities for young people and contribute to local economic development. 

For him, the five goats are not merely livestock. They are the starting point of a much bigger business dream.

Photo: Starting with just five goats, Agobakwe Diphoko is building Ane-Man Pty Ltd, a goat-milk enterprise that combines agriculture, logistics and entrepreneurship.