Not everyone gets the chance to go to college or university right after matric, even though many dream of it. That’s the story of Nosipho Memani from Herschel, Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape, but she did not let it hold her back.
After years of small jobs and unemployment, she took a bold step, enrolling at an agricultural college, earning a diploma in animal production, and launching her own agribusiness. Now, she’s mastering the trade, exploring new opportunities, and expanding her skills through further studies and hands-on experience.
Inspired by farming
Initially, Memani had several aspirations. One close to her heart was becoming a social worker. Unfortunately, after matric, she couldn’t study further due to financial challenges.
Instead, she worked at Lukhanyo Children’s Home near her hometown. Years later, she moved to Cape Town with family friend Nondyebo Mgoboza. However, when Covid-19 hit, both lost their jobs, forcing her to return home.
Back in Herschel and feeling frustrated, a friend reminded her of her lifelong love for farming and introduced her to the agricultural college in the Free State. Inspired, she applied in September 2020 and was accepted for the 2021 intake at Glen College of Agriculture, without a bursary or financial support.
“I was hungry to change my life, to gain new skills, to be out there and learn something close to my heart,” Memani shares.
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Hands-on learning in the field
Her studies began during the Covid-19 pandemic, with online classes and practical sessions later completed in person, where the college provided accommodation and meals. By her second year, she received a bursary from the National Student Fund, which helped cover tuition and living expenses.
In 2023, she was placed on a commercial farm in Lady Grey for six months as part of her workplace learning. “Theory was eye-opening, but the practical experience became even more exciting and insightful,” she says.
Later, a stipend from the National Student Fund had been delayed but was finally paid out in March 2024. Using R6 000 from this payment, Memani started her agribusiness, Mdumane Livestock Farm, which she runs from her family home in Herschel. She bought four Landrace pigs and later expanded to two sows and five piglets.
“The Landrace breed can withstand different weather conditions. I would recommend anyone starting pig farming without a strong financial backup plan to begin with them.”
However, she had some misfortune. She adds, “I lost seven piglets due to the snow this year.”
Although she is not selling anything at the moment, Memani is focused on learning all she can about farming. Through her courses, she gained knowledge of poultry, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, and beef cattle. This, she believes, will help her establish her business on a solid foundation.
At this stage, she often refers back to both her theory and practical training. She has developed a keen interest in animal nutrition, disease treatment, farming techniques, animal breeding, and genetics – skills she sees as vital for livestock management.
“Something I wasn’t taking seriously before the course is the importance of record-keeping and agri-marketing,” she says. “These are key to good farming management.”
Seeds for the future
In June 2025, Memani began an internship with Zakhe Youth Development Cooperative in Bikizana Village, near Sterkspruit. The co-op focuses on crop farming, producing cabbage, spinach, and green peppers for Boxer and Spar in Sterkspruit.
“This is another learning opportunity for me, and understanding how to market produce and being on the ground negotiating prices,” she says, adding that they also supply other wholesalers in town.
The internship, she explains, is giving her practical experience in farm management, business planning, marketing, financial management, and problem-solving.
“It’s also giving me opportunities to build relationships with experienced farmers and industry experts.”
Looking ahead, Memani hopes to deepen her knowledge of growing crop feeds, raise livestock on fresh and healthy feed, and provide affordable produce for her community.
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