Lindelwa Booi, a legal expert carving her path in farming, also champions gender-based violence awareness while nurturing crops. Her journey, sparked by a desire to create employment, blossomed through self-education and the transformative #SoilSista programme.
Lindelwa Booi is a legal eagle who is also pursuing her farming dream, soaring to new heights. While working the soil, she conducts awareness campaigns regarding gender-based violence and empowers victims.
She further earned her stripes by stepping into her blooming era at the Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur Programme and strives for change wherever she goes.
A mother of four boys, a wife, a community builder, and now known as #SoilSista, Booi is a powerhouse. She commenced her farming journey in 2022, an experience that entirely altered her way of life. “What motivated me to delve into food production was the aim to create jobs,” she explains.
In the village of Engcobo, Eastern Cape, she planted a variety of crops including cabbage, beetroot, spinach, and carrots. “We received no training despite my request to the department of agriculture. They did not respond,” she elaborates.
However, nothing deterred her. Drawing from minimal experience growing up, she initiated her first harvest, which proved to be successful.
Being a #SoilSista
An ardent reader and someone eager to learn more about her newfound field, Booi delved into literature on agriculture, stumbling upon publications like Food For Mzansi, among others, fundamentally altering her learning approach.
“I enjoy reading and comprehending what I am doing. Since embarking on this journey, I’ve had to educate myself about the intricacies, subscribing to and reading Food For Mzansi,” she shares.
This pursuit led her to the dream opportunity of joining the third #SoilSista cohort, providing her with a precious gift of networking and a profound sense of pride.
A golden opportunity
Among the greatest blessings of the programme is encountering women dedicated to achieving food security. This programme transformed her perspective and honed her leadership skills. Booi emphasises her encouragement to her employees: to take pride in their work and to reflect on a journey that will always bring a smile to their faces.
“I am not anxious; this is something we have built together, and it will benefit us all. My team is motivated. Building relationships is crucial, and that’s what we’ve fostered on the farm,” she concludes.
ALSO READ: Rooted in agri: #SoilSista Muthumuvhi keeps glowing and growing
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