Planting the seeds of change: the rise of Limpopo's young agripreneurs

Fidelis Zvomuya spoke to two of Limpopo's young agripreneurs about their hopes and ambitions for the future, and how, with the right support, the impossible becomes possible.

- Fidelis Zvomuya

Siaga Benedicta, an animal scientist by profession, is convinced she was born to be a farmer. After earning a bachelor’s degree in animal production, a diploma in agricultural management, a diploma in animal health, and an advanced diploma in animal health from the University of Limpopo, she didn’t hunt for jobs. Instead, she planted her knowledge deep into the soil of her farm, allowing her profession to blossom.

Today, she uses her expertise to not only cultivate the land but also to uplift her community by offering free veterinary services to those in need.

As the director of Tshitalufuno General Trading, established in 2019 in Shakadza Village in the Musina district of Limpopo, Benedicta has transformed 5ha of land into a thriving mixed farming enterprise, focusing on cash crops and animal production.

“My ambitions don’t end here. I plan to expand into egg production and more, and my vision transcends farming. It’s about creating a sustainable, profitable enterprise that boosts local economies and provides much-needed employment,” she says.

Benedicta’s journey is a powerful reminder that true success isn’t just about personal growth but about using our talents to sow seeds of progress in the communities around us. “It’s a steep challenge. Undeveloped distribution networks, poor roads and fickle water supplies are difficult hurdles for even the most competent farmer, and many of these would-be farmers have little training or experience,” she explains.

In a region often challenged by economic hardship and limited opportunities, a new crop of young farmers is planting the seeds of change. Thanks to an innovative internship programme funded by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and bolstered by the mentorship of the North-West University Business School, over 60 young agripreneurs, including Benedicta, are reshaping the agricultural landscape one farm at a time.