"I Didn't Like Working for People": Mzansi Woman Shares Inspiring Journey to Starting Her Own Farm
- Aphiwe Ntombikayise Mtshali found office jobs unfulfilling and decided to pursue her passion for agriculture
- Learning through collaboration with another farmer, Aphiwe established Hlalakahle Farming Projects in 2018
- Aphiwe spoke to Briefly News about how running her farming business has been a rewarding experience
- Her story has inspired many online who admire her journey and wish her success
Source: Facebook
Working a 9-5 job is not for everyone, and Aphiwe Ntombikayise Mtshali can certainly agree.
Woman shares farming journey
The 35-year-old woman from Ladysmith, now based in Greytown, ventured into farming in 2010 after her father bought a farm in the Greytown-Muden area, inspiring her to start her own farming business on that land.
"I grow seasonal vegetables such as spinach, green peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cabbages. I started farming because I was not happy working for people. I would get bored easily and look for another job, but nothing made me happy," Aphiwe shared.
Today, she is the proud owner of Hlalakahle Farming Projects, which was established in 2018.
Aphiwe has always been business-driven
Aphiwe told Briefly News that she always knew she wanted to run her own business.
"I started selling things, like cooldrink from a young age. As I grew older I also sold clothes, baked goods and the like until she finished school," shared Aphiwe who studied safety management in tertiary before entering the working world but soon lost interest in it.
Source: UGC
Aphiwe admitted that starting the business was not easy, as she had very limited knowledge about farming, having grew up in the township.
"I asked a man who farmed cabbages to teach me the skills I needed and promised to sell all his cabbages in return. That's how I learned how to plant and apply chemicals and fertiliser to soil.
"We traded skills, and that is how I started and how I got a market as well," she shared.
Farming remains Aphiwe's true calling
Briefly News asked whether farming has not bored her yet, a motivated Aphiwe said:
"No, when it comes to farming I don't get bored. There are a lot of challenges, and I'm constantly learning something new, and I enjoy that very much. Another thing I love about running my own business is that I get to help other people with work and they get to put food on their family's tables."
Aphiwe shared that the hardest part about running her own farming business is paying wages regardless of whether the business is doing well or not.
The young farmer encourages those aspiring to enter agriculture to start small, take risks, and be patient.
Click here to view the Facebook post.
SA showers female farmer with love
Reaction to her story online, many netizens were inspired by her journey and wished her success moving forward.
Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa congratulated Aphiwe on her farming endeavour:
"Congratulations, darling, and may you grow your business. It's also my wish and dream ."
Lidess Chibamba cheerfully encouraged:
"Keep up the good work ."
Topher Mugisha wished success in the woman's farming business:
"Inspiring. May your borders be enlarged
Bastos Mohorosi applauded the young farmer on her big moves:
"That's wonderful."
Dalubuhle Nomlala reacted:
"Good work sisi keep it up."
Matsoanelo Kapi commented:
"Keep up the good work ❤️❤️❤️❤️."
Farmer shares heartbreaking loss of 489 sheep and 100 goats
In another story, Briefly News reported that a South African Fonda was left devastated when he woke up one morning to find all his livestock stolen.
The farmer who goes by Sphe (@_sphe___) on TikTok posted a video showing the many goats and sheep he had on his farm before they were tragically stolen by thieves.
The poor farmer suffered a great setback, far worse than many others get to experience in the labour-intensive industry of agriculture.
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Source: Briefly News
