On just 15 000 square meters – half a hectare – you might not expect much. However, in Umzinto, south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, crop farmer Nomthandazo Khanyile proves just how much can be achieved with determination and hard work.
Farming wasn’t always part of her plan, but the seeds of entrepreneurship were planted early. She grew up watching her mother tend to community gardens and run small businesses selling second-hand clothes and tripe. From her, Khanyile learned the value of having something of her own.
“I saw from her that it’s not a bad thing for a woman to have something of her own, especially when it helps generate an income, no matter how small it is,” she shares.
Her farming journey began after struggling to find work for six years. Before that, she had worked in retail and her last job was as a waitress. With little to no employment prospects, she decided to take a leap of faith.
Farming journey begins
Starting with funds from her child support grant and financial support from her husband – around R3 500 – Khanyile built a small structure at her rondavel. She also purchased drinkers, feeders, and infrared lights. In 2022, she also received support from the Presidential Employment Stimulus Initiative (Pesi), which helped her take her first real steps in agriculture.
Khanyile started with poultry farming, selling live and slaughtered chickens after six weeks. Her business showed promise, but unforeseen challenges forced her to pivot.
Load shedding quickly became a major obstacle.
“Broilers need electricity to grow, especially in winter. Due to load shedding, I had a high mortality rate.”
Then, in April 2022, disaster struck. The devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal washed away all 200 of her four-week-old chickens. The loss was too great, and she was forced to close her poultry business.
“I closed with a heavy heart. I was devastated, and overall, it was a huge business loss.”
Determined to start again, she shifted her focus to crop farming in early 2024. She initially began growing crops at Thabela High School but had to leave after three months due to water shortages. Fortunately, she later found another plot of land.
“Though my current plot needs some fixing, it does have water,” she says.
Crop farming comes with its own challenges. The land’s fencing needs replacement, as goats and sheep frequently invade, feeding on her crops. Theft is another concern, particularly with green mealies, which are often stolen before being harvested.
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Practising organic farming methods
Despite these obstacles, Khanyile has built a loyal customer base, thanks to social media and strong support from her church members, friends, family, and local communities in Pinetown, Nazareth Island, and Southmead.
Social media has also become her go-to source for learning different farming methods, including organic practices she now fully embraces.
“I use organic manure like cow dung (ubulongwe) and spray my crops with an onion and garlic mixture. I’m also planning to plant marigolds for pest control,” she explains.
She prefers natural solutions over chemicals. “I really don’t like using chemicals, which is why I don’t grow cabbage.”
Between poultry and crop farming, Khanyile has found peace in working the land.
“I’m an introvert who enjoys spending time alone, meditating. With crop farming, I feel more connected to nature. Crops also seem to require less maintenance than poultry.”
Among her crops, green peppers and lettuce stand out as the easiest to manage.
“With green peppers, you can harvest this week, and by next week, new ones are already growing, especially if you prune them. Lettuce also grows quickly and thrives in the soil I farm with.”
Dreams of training and agro-processing
While she doesn’t have a formal market yet, Khanyile is actively searching for a larger space to expand her business. She is also researching agro-processing and plans to return to poultry farming when the time is right.
“I see myself having an academy or training institution, especially for women, to teach them about farming. Every farmer deserves a mentor to help them navigate challenges.”
Her agribusiness is steadily growing, with plans to branch into the smoothie business and agro-processing.
“I’m passionate about healthy eating. For me, growing food isn’t just a business – it’s a way of life and a contribution to a healthier lifestyle for all.”
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