The Person Behind the Vision
Meet the Founder
Experience, education and practical innovation for sustainable agriculture.
MJ Nunes
Founder and Managing Director
About MJ Nunes
A practical innovator committed to better ways of farming.
MJ Nunes is the Founder and Managing Director of Sable Creek Aquaponics, a South African company dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture through innovative aquaponics solutions, education and practical farming.
From an early age, MJ developed a deep appreciation for farming, nature and food production. This passion evolved into a lifelong commitment to finding better, more sustainable ways of producing fresh food while conserving natural resources.
Throughout his agricultural journey, MJ gained practical farming experience across multiple areas of agriculture. Those experiences exposed him to rising input costs, water scarcity, food security concerns and the need for more efficient farming systems.
The Aquaponics Journey
Research, experimentation and systems designed for local conditions.
Determined to find a better solution, MJ began researching aquaponics, a farming method that combines aquaculture with hydroponic plant production in a natural, recirculating ecosystem. Its ability to produce high-quality crops and fish while dramatically reducing water consumption inspired years of dedicated learning and development.
Rather than simply following international designs, MJ focused on developing practical aquaponics systems that are commercially viable, easy to maintain and specifically suited to South African climates and farming environments.
Today, MJ leads Sable Creek Aquaponics with a vision of making aquaponics accessible to individuals, entrepreneurs, schools, institutions and commercial farmers across South Africa and beyond.
“Successful farming is built through practical experience, continuous learning and solutions that work in the real world.”
The Journey So Far
Experience translated into practical capability.
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01
An early interest in agriculture and sustainable farming
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02
Research and development of practical aquaponics systems
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03
Founding of Sable Creek Aquaponics
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04
Development of commercial herb production
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05
Establishment of the Mossambicus Tilapia hatchery
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06
Launch of professional aquaponics training programmes
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07
Expansion into consulting, technical support and nationwide installations
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08
Ongoing innovation and future growth across South Africa and Africa
Passion for Education
Knowledge creates confidence and opportunity.
MJ believes that education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming agriculture and creating opportunities for individuals and communities.
Through Sable Creek Aquaponics, he has trained aspiring farmers, entrepreneurs, agricultural professionals and hobbyists by combining practical, hands-on learning with comprehensive theoretical instruction.
The training programmes teach students how to design, build, manage and operate successful aquaponics systems, supported by practical skills and ongoing technical guidance beyond the classroom.
Practical Innovation
Real-world operation informs every design.
MJ believes that successful farming is built on practical experience rather than theory alone. Every system developed by Sable Creek Aquaponics is refined through real-world operation, continuous improvement and hands-on farming.
This approach allows the company to provide systems that are reliable, productive, water-efficient and tailored to each client's specific goals and environment.
New technologies, improved farming techniques and customer feedback are continuously incorporated into future system designs.
Principles in Practice
Sustainability, service and continuous improvement.
These commitments influence how MJ leads the business, develops farming systems and supports the success of clients and students.
Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture
- Produce more food using significantly less water
- Reduce environmental impact through recirculating systems
- Encourage responsible resource management
- Improve food security for communities
- Create profitable farming opportunities
- Support long-term agricultural resilience in South Africa
Leadership Philosophy
- Lead by example and deliver practical solutions
- Build lasting relationships with clients
- Maintain high standards of professionalism
- Share knowledge generously
- Never compromise on quality
- Continuously learn, improve and help others succeed
Looking Towards the Future
Building one of Africa's leading aquaponics companies.
MJ's long-term vision is to establish Sable Creek Aquaponics as one of Africa's leading providers of aquaponics systems, education and sustainable farming solutions.
Start a Conversation- 01
Expand commercial aquaponics installations throughout South Africa
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Develop new training programmes and educational resources
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Strengthen collaboration with educational and agricultural organisations
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Expand the Mossambicus Tilapia hatchery and commercial herb production
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Develop technologies suited to African farming conditions
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Support emerging farmers through mentorship and technical guidance
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Contribute to food security, job creation and sustainable development
Learn. Build. Grow.
Turn sustainable farming ambition into practical action.
Explore training, system development, consulting and support from a team grounded in real aquaponics experience.