For Zandile Khumalo of Phuzumoya, farming is more than just a way to make a living. It is a passion rooted in inspiration, resilience and a vision for the future.
Her journey into agriculture began with the late Muzi Matsenjwa, a man whose love for farming left a lasting mark on her life. “I had zero knowledge about farming at first,” she recalls. “But his passion passed on to me, and I eventually fell in love with it.”
Today, that passion continues to shape her daily life and ambitions.
Zandile has since carved out her space in vegetable production, cultivating a variety of crops that include butternut, cabbages, beetroot, green peppers, beans and maize.
While her focus remains largely on vegetables, she occasionally ventures into crop farming, depending on the season and available resources.
Currently farming on a hectare scale, she has her sights set on expanding production over time. Her approach to farming is strategic, particularly when it comes to seasonal planning.
For winter, she carefully selects crops that can withstand colder temperatures, ensuring that her farm remains productive even during challenging conditions.
However, like many farmers, Zandile faces her fair share of obstacles. Unpredictable weather patterns often threaten her produce, while limited financial resources make it difficult to fully execute her plans. “Running daily activities like weeding, spraying and planting can be costly,” she explains, highlighting the realities of managing a farm.
Despite these challenges, she remains proactive and resourceful. Zandile uses social media as a learning tool, following agricultural pages and engaging with online farming communities to stay informed.
She also attends agricultural seminars within her region, often organised by institutions such as National Agricultural Marketing Board and the Ministry of Agriculture, to sharpen her knowledge and skills.
Her farming practices reflect a commitment to quality and sustainability. She emphasises proper water management, careful pest and disease control and effective harvesting and post-harvest handling to maintain the freshness and quality of her produce.
Beyond her own success, Zandile is passionate about encouraging other young people to pursue farming.
She believes agriculture holds the key to the future and urges youth not to give up, even when faced with difficulties.
She also acknowledges the support of organisations like Eswatini National Youth Council, which continue to empower young people in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Her message is clear and powerful: “The world doesn’t care that you’re trying until they see you succeed. So, no matter what happens, keep your farming dream alive.”
With determination in her heart and soil beneath her hands, Zandile is not just growing crops, she is cultivating a future.
Leave a comment