Macassar’s very own Duncan Masiwa steps into the limelight as the host of a new TV show set to captivate audiences across Africa. Farming with nature, a pioneering series dedicated to conservation agriculture, began airing on both DStv and Openview this week.
Masiwa’s journey from Bill Berry Street, filled with many challenges, to national TV is nothing short of inspiring.
Reflecting on his roots, he said: “Like many other communities, Macassar is exposed to crime and gangsterism. Despite this, I’ve always known that God had big plans for my life. I made a point never to allow my place of upbringing to limit my personal growth and ambition.”
As Masiwa takes on the role of TV presenter he brings with him the dreams of a community that believed in him. “Pursuing your dreams and living a life beyond your own imagination requires dedication, self-belief, and consistent effort. I’ve always believed that to reach my dreams and goals, I must be willing to inconvenience myself.”
After initially working in the hospitality industry, the 28-year-old secured a job as a journalist at Food For Mzansi, a leading agricultural news publication. He has recently been promoted to assistant editor.
He said: “Being a TV presenter has always been a dream of mine. I never expected it to come true so early in my journalism career. I’m grateful for the opportunity and to everyone who supported me throughout the filming of the show.”
Farming with nature was filmed over a year, and Masiwa said this presented a unique set of challenges.
“TV presenting requires a strong on-camera presence. You need to project confidence, maintain good posture, and use non-verbal communication effectively. I don’t have any TV training, but it’s as if my body knew exactly what to do when the cameras started rolling. It wasn’t all easy, but I had great support on and off the set.”
The show introduces viewers to remarkable farmers whose innovative and sustainable practices have not only improved their regions but also serve as beacons of hope for the future of agriculture.
“Having the opportunity to sit with forward-thinking farmers has been a deeply rewarding experience,” said Masiwa. “Suddenly, everything I had read about conservation farming made sense.”
A moment on set he will always treasure was when farmer Johann Muller reached into his soil and pulled out healthy-looking earthworms. Masiwa recalled, “There was life in his soil. It’s as if the earth was talking to me, saying, ‘If you look after me I’ll look after you.’“
Until Sunday 1 October, Farming with nature can be watched on People’s Weather at 19:30 on DStv channel 180 and Openview channel 115. There is also a repeat broadcast at 21:00 and an omnibus edition on Saturdays and Sundays.
