For Mosa Seshoene from Turfloop in Limpopo, farming is central to life and sustenance. Raised between kasi and village life, she learned early how farming provides rhythm, independence, and practical skills.
During school holidays at her grandparents’ home in Ha-Mphahlele, Lebowakgomo, she gained much of her hands-on farming knowledge.
She later earned a BSc in agriculture from North-West University, and in 2020, founded her agri-consultancy, Farminist.
Gardens that grow communities
Seshoene started Farminist in 2024 in Vaal, Gauteng, and the business provides plant maintenance services and agricultural consultation.
They also offer gardening lessons to their clients and set up kitchen gardens for them. Although Seshoene’s farm operates as a separate entity, she says the two are closely connected since she owns both.
“Farminist helps me fund the farm itself by creating cash flow and finding clients,” she explains.
She adds that when she started her farming operations, she had no external financial support, and Farminist allowed her to sustain the farm. The business now employs two permanent staff members and several seasonal workers who assist when specialised services are required.
They produce cabbage, spinach, English giant rape, and onions. “The choice of crops is mainly based on the demand in the area where I am farming,” Seshoene says. “I currently have a buyer who supplies cabbages and onions to schools, so I produce crops according to their needs.”
She also supplies local vendors in the area.
Recently, the farm expanded to include potatoes and sweet potatoes. “The choice of crops was mainly to try a new venture that we wanted to take on. With the harvest being a success, we plan to continue growing them.”
Although the business officially started in 2024, Seshoene has been involved in farming for several years. She participated in mixed farming in Limpopo and, with her family’s history in agriculture, worked with her uncle in broiler chicken farming as well as growing primary crops such as cabbage and tomatoes.
“Being based full-time in Gauteng due to work commitments, I couldn’t be fully present on the farm, so I found a space where I could continue farming, which is where I am currently operating,” she explains.
Harvesting knowledge through adversity
Seshoene farms on one hectare of leased land from a family friend, and on land owned by someone well-known in the community for their produce.
“This has helped me gain marketing through word of mouth. People would say, ‘Oh, you’re keeping this lady’s garden alive.’”
Challenges are part of working the land. “Farming is never linear; problems come and go,” she admits.
One of her biggest challenges occurred when there was no electricity in the area, which meant the farm was without water, relying primarily on the borehole supply.
“Lack of water led to infections in the crops, affecting their well-being and resulting in a significant loss of the harvest.”
At the time, there was little that could be done, even as they tried to control the fungal infestation on the ground.
“This challenge taught us as a team to plan for alternative water sources in case the borehole is unavailable,” she says.
Book learning and hands-on farming
Although many childhood aspirations are uncertain, Seshoene says her journey was clear from the beginning, since her grandparents had a farm. “I knew I was going to be in agriculture.”
She notes that having a BSc and honours in agriculture helps in running her business, though most of her learning came from hands-on experience.
“Whatever you learn from a textbook may not be the same when you’re on the ground.”
For now, she says, her growth comes from keeping her head down, working hard, and perfecting her craft.
“Growth will mean expanding the farm, improving the quality of produce, and gaining access to more profitable markets.”
Farming, she notes, is a practical exercise in problem-solving, where every detail matters. “For example, if you skip pest control, the day pests infest your crops, the cost will be heavy.”
For anyone looking to start their own business, Seshoene advises, “You have all the capabilities to achieve whatever you set your mind to, but belief must go hand in hand with hard work.”
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