A journey that began with a passion for farming and entrepreneurship in the rural community of QwaQwa in the Free State has taken local agricultural entrepreneur Morwa Modingoana to the international stage in China. He recently participated in the Food and Agricultural Product Value-added Processing and Logistics Systems seminar.
Modingoana, an entrepreneurial incubatee at the Maluti TVET College Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator, was selected to represent South Africa and the college at the international seminar held in China from 30 October to 19 November 2026.
The programme forms part of an international knowledge exchange initiative, bringing together agripreneurs from developing countries to strengthen expertise in agro-processing, value addition, food systems and logistics.
Representing agricultural empowerment
The Maluti TVET College said his participation marks a significant milestone in a journey that reflects the transformative role Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges can play in developing entrepreneurs, creating jobs and driving rural economic development.
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Founded by Matsae Tsotetsi, chief executive officer, and Morwa Modingoana, chief operating officer, MSC Agriculture is a youth-owned, black-owned and women-led enterprise specialising in agriculture, agro-processing, agricultural infrastructure development and community development.
“What began in an abandoned backyard has evolved into a growing agricultural enterprise committed to food security, youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
“Today, the company operates across several agricultural value chains, including commercial vegetable production, poultry farming, herbal product development, vegetable juice processing and agricultural infrastructure development. Through innovation, determination and strategic partnerships, the enterprise has become a contributor to rural economic development in the Free State,” Maluti TVET College said in a statement.
According to the college, a key turning point in the company’s growth was its involvement with the Maluti TVET College Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CfERI).
An opportunity to learn global best practices
Modingoana said the incubation support provided by the college helped unlock opportunities that would otherwise have remained beyond their reach.
“It created an environment where innovation, learning and business growth could thrive,” he said.
For Modingoana, the opportunity to participate and present in China represents more than international travel. It is an opportunity to deepen his understanding of global best practices in agricultural processing, logistics systems, value addition and market development.
Upon his return to South Africa, Modingoana intends to share insights and lessons from the programme with students, emerging entrepreneurs and local farmers, ensuring that the benefits of the international experience contribute to broader skills development and enterprise growth within the community.
“For aspiring entrepreneurs, Modingoana’s journey serves as a reminder that global opportunities can emerge from local beginnings when ambition is matched by hard work, innovation and access to the right support systems,” Maluti TVET College stated.
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