Bushveld Farm with Aquaculture & Vegetable Farming Potential

This aquaculture property has the potential to be revitalized. There are five cement tanks that can be utilized for hatching Tilapia and rearing them to marketable size. The design of the fish farm allows for water to be circulated and cleaned.

Once the fish reach a suitable size, they can be harvested and processed at the on-site factory.

This Tilapia enterprise was clearly well researched and constructed. The bushveld climate is well-suited for this type of farming, and aquaculture in South Africa has not yet reached its full potential.

The remainder of the farm includes nearly 3 hectares of cleared land that was previously used for vegetable farming. It would be logical and efficient to utilize the fish tank and factory wastewater for irrigating crops grown on-site.

The farm has two boreholes that supply around 6,000 litres per hour—sufficient for both the fish operation and domestic use.

In addition to the 240 m2 factory and outbuildings, the property includes good-quality farmworkers' living quarters. Eskom supplies power to the farm, the factory, and the accommodation. There is also a 50,000-litre reservoir on the property, essential for operating the fish tanks and factory.

The main homestead is located near the factory and tanks. It is a double-story 'A'-frame structure with an attached garage and workspace.

The home includes two bedrooms, one bathroom, and an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area.

The total area of the homestead is over 264 m2.

This 21-hectare property is priced at R1.7 million (One million seven hundred thousand rand).

The farm offers great potential for an enthusiastic entrepreneur. Filleted Tilapia prices in major retail stores are currently around R66.99 per 800 grams.

Under optimal conditions, the farm could produce at least 25 tons of live Tilapia per year.

The Tilapia offcuts and entrails are a rich source of protein, to which value can also be added.

Market Insights:

Retail prices for Tilapia in South Africa range from approximately ZAR 55.94 to ZAR 186.46 per kg (source: Salina Wamucii).

For small-scale farms, whole fish are quoted at ZAR 40–50 per kg, while fillets can reach ZAR 185 per kg.

Farm-gate cost estimates (not retail) for whole Tilapia suggest prices around ZAR 32–45 per kg.

Please note: These figures are estimates and have not been independently verified. Any prospective buyer should conduct their own research.

Climate & Farming Potential:

The climate in Mopane should allow for multiple Tilapia growing cycles per season, depending on temperature, water quality, and management.

The area along the Sand River is also renowned for vegetable cultivation.

Baby vegetables, packed in punnets, offer the best return on investment. These are sold directly to Gauteng vegetable markets and retailers in the Limpopo region.

Neighboring farms have well-established markets, including lucrative export opportunities.

Approximately 16 hectares of bushveld remain on the property, which can be cleared for crop rotation and land fallow periods.

Location & Access:

The farm is part of the VERA properties along the Sand River.

It is accessed via a 1.3 km farm road from the main gravel road—both are in good condition and regularly maintained.

The gravel road is 12.3 km from Mopane.

From Mopane, the R525 to the N1 is a further 6.8 km.

This property has had substantial infrastructure development investments. Its potential is not limited to Aquaculture.

This could be an entry level investment with future expansion at affordable prices as the VERA farms are all of similar size and value.

Well worth consideration to all potential buyers.