Kwagga Smith is cultivating success on and off the field
Kwagga Smith’s prowess on the rugby field is well-known, but beyond the stadium lights, he’s quietly carving out another path as a successful entrepreneur. Combining his love for farming with a strategic business mindset, Kwagga has established Kareekraal, a guest farm in Dullstroom that has quickly become a popular destination for nature lovers and golf enthusiasts. As he balances the demands of professional rugby and running a farm, Kwagga’s journey highlights his passion for building a future that transcends his sporting career.
A deep-rooted love for farming
For Kwagga, farming has been part of his life since childhood. Growing up on a farm between Lydenburg and Ohrigstad, he developed a passion for the land that would later fuel his entrepreneurial pursuits. “The love of farming developed from a very young age,” says Kwagga. “In 2017, I bought my first small piece of land next to my dad’s farm and planted pecan nuts. That project wrapped up in 2020 and I was ready for something new.”
It was time for Kwagga and his wife Ilke, to embark on their next adventure: purchasing land in Dullstroom, a popular destination for nature lovers. The original idea was to create a wedding venue but after assessing their options, the couple decided to focus on guest accommodation first. “We found this beautiful piece of land right across Highland Gate Golf and Country Estate and saw an opportunity to create something special,” Kwagga explains.
Managing multiple demands
Balancing the high demands of being a professional rugby player with managing a farm and guest accommodation is no small feat. Kwagga acknowledges the challenges but his team-oriented mindset, cultivated from years in rugby, has played a key role in his business success. “It’s all about having the right people around you,” he says. “I have a permanent manager and workers I trust. It’s crucial to have a team that believes in your dream and works hard towards the same goal.”
Despite being away from the farm for long stretches due to his rugby commitments, Kwagga stays involved as much as possible. He highlights the importance of working with his team whenever possible, ensuring the smooth running of both his farming and guest accommodation ventures.
Kareekraal: A unique guest experience
Kareekraal, Kwagga’s guest farm, offers visitors a tranquil escape into nature with several activities and features that set it apart. Located near one of South Africa’s top golf courses, Highland Gate, it attracts many golf enthusiasts. In addition, guests can enjoy hiking trails, fly-fishing in the farm’s dams and even birdwatching. The farm is also pet friendly, a popular feature with guests who choose to bring their furry companions.
“We’ve designed each cottage to have a fenced yard, so guests can safely leave their pets behind if they want to explore the area,” Kwagga notes. “We get a lot of guests with pets and they love that they can relax, knowing their pets are safe.”
Lessons from rugby to business
Kwagga’s rugby career has equipped him with skills and values that translate well into his business ventures. “Rugby has taught me the value of teamwork, something I’ve applied to farming and to running the guest farm,” he says. “If everyone believes in the same goal and works together hard, it makes a huge difference. Team effort is key to success in both rugby and business.”
A balanced partnership
Ilke plays an integral role in their business, running the guest farm operations while he focuses on farming. “It’s a special partnership,” he says. “We support each other and having her manage the accommodation side, allows me to focus on the farming. We’re working together towards the same goal.”
Embracing what’s next
As Kwagga’s rugby career continues, he’s already planning for life after rugby. He envisions Kareekraal becoming a full-time focus with the business fully established by the time he steps away from the game. “I want to make sure that the farm is already running smoothly by the time I retire,” he explains. “If you start a business while you’re still playing rugby, you don’t have to depend on the income straightaway, so you can take your time to build it properly.”
The couple has plans to expand the guest farm shortly, possibly adding more cottages and a dedicated entertainment area for golf tours and other events.
Despite the challenges, Kwagga remains excited about the future of Kareekraal and the opportunity to continue growing as an entrepreneur. “It’s been hard work, but it’s extremely rewarding,” he reflects. “Looking back, I can see how far we’ve come and I’m proud of what we’ve built.”
Through his dedication both on and off the field, Kwagga Smith exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship, demonstrating that with hard work, teamwork and passion, success is achievable in any arena.
Kwagga’s top entrepreneurial tips:
- Build a strong team: “Surround yourself with people who believe in your dream and are committed to the same goal.”
- Take your time: “If you start a business while still playing rugby, you can invest in it without being dependent on the income rightaway.”
- Balance is key: “Make time for what matters — in my case, both rugby and farming.”
