Don’t let his age or small frame fool you – at just 25 years old, certified animal scientist Khomotso Mashlioane is revolutionising livestock farming in Mzansi.
Growing up in Dennilton, Mpumalanga with a family who had a love for agriculture, it was with doubt that the trajectory for Mashiloane would be to follow in the footsteps of his chosen passions.
Chasing animal science dreams
He matriculated from an agricultural high school in 2016 and later collected his degree in animal science from the University of Limpopo. With a degree in his chosen career, there was no stopping Mashlioane.
“There was a love and passion for this, and I went on to further my studies in specialising in animal production. During that I assisted students with some career guidance including tutoring,” he says.
Apart from his love for animals, Mashlioane has a love for teaching agriculture. This led to him furthering his studies and completing his postgraduate certificate in education, which focused on agriculture in 2021.
Combining his passions
“From there, I started saying I have a love for teaching and agriculture. I wanted to explore both, however after the completion of studies. I was appointed as an animal scientist,” he says.
As an animal scientist, Mashlioane’s work is focused on the commercialising sector and helping farmers enter the value chain or manage livestock assets within the value chain.
“I was focusing on the emerging sector rather than the commercial sector. I joined both qualifications together and joined the current company I am at, and fortunately, I am currently involved with training, something that’s needed,” he says.
Life as an animal scientist/transformation facilitator
In his current position as transformation facilitator at the Red Meat Institute for Transformation and Enterprise Development, Mashlioane acts as a day-to-day consultant to farmers. “It also helps me to understand what are the kind of problems that our farmers face on a daily. I also do farm visits and it helps me to offer advice based on what I see,” he says.
He adds that with all the practical components of the job, it is amazing to help the company he works with on strategies that enhance the emerging livestock sector.
But of course, with this job, there is a perk, and that is lots of travel. With his bubbly personality and affirmative nature, Mashlioane is shaking up the industry and he’s loving every moment of it. But Mashlioane is far from done. Currently, he is pursuing his master’s in animal science and he has big plans for his future.
Mashlioane’s tips for aspiring agripreneurs
- Be honest with yourself, know your strengths and weaknesses, and draw from them to learn each day.
- You must have great communication skills, and value knowledge, especially in your field.
- Enjoy working with animals, you need to at times be out there.
- To be willing to travel, you need to learn to be independent and work and a team.
- Be patient and trust the process for your life.
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