Growth in farming is often a gift, but for those who seize every chance, it becomes a journey of possibility. That is the story of Rethabile Ngwenya, who founded Reaoboka Agribusiness and Projects, a mixed farming initiative.
What started with managing waste soon expanded into agroprocessing. Though still operating informally, Rethabile sees every opportunity as a chance to create something powerful and meaningful.
In farming, growth is not only about what comes out of the soil; it is also about the farmer behind it. For Ngwenya, every season has been a chance to grow her vision as much as her harvest.
From her one-hectare communal plot in Klerksdorp, North West, she continues to farm vegetables, but has now made sweet potatoes her main crop, alongside chillies.
Finding purpose in agroprocessing
What pushes her forward, she says, is showing up and connecting with others. Twice, she has been part of the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba, meeting people who helped her feel rooted in the farming community. Beyond that, she has attended numerous other events, each one a chance to make her business more visible.
“Being there has shown me that I am not just representing myself, but also the business I want to grow, and it works for me,” she says.
At first, Ngwenya was simply passionate about planting, harvesting, and making sure food reached people. However, over time, she realised that selling raw produce alone has its limits. Prices fluctuate, crops can be lost, and farmers often do not receive the true value of their hard work.
That is what led her to agroprocessing. She started with chilli sauces and later turned to sweet potato, a crop packed with nutrients but not always enjoyed, sometimes because of a lack of access or simply not knowing how to prepare it.
For her business, Reaoboka Agribusiness and Projects, that was the opening she needed to create new products that stretch the value of her harvest and bring people closer to its benefits.
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Reinventing sweet potato
Like many farmers looking to grow their business, Ngwenya did some research and discovered that sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A, C, and E, which help brighten and rejuvenate the skin, slow down ageing, and support overall wellness.
“That was my ‘aha moment,’” she says. “I started seeing sweet potatoes not just as a crop, but as a product with endless possibilities.”
Rather than selling them only fresh, she began creating unique products. Today, her range includes body scrubs infused with sweet potato and honey, juice, and other natural products.
She adds that she exclusively uses the orange sweet potato, rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A.
“I even make clove juice and vegetable atchar. I began seeing sweet potatoes as more than food, as a gateway to innovation. That’s why my business slogan is ‘From tradition to innovation.’”
“Agroprocessing is the bridge between farming and entrepreneurship. It transforms a simple harvest into opportunities for growth, empowerment, and community upliftment.”
Reaoboka Agribusiness and Projects produces sweet potato juice and body scrubs, always keeping the products as natural as possible to benefit both health and beauty.
“Since I don’t always have enough space, I sometimes source sweet potatoes directly from local farmers. When orders are large, I make sure to work with those who practise sustainable farming, ensuring every harvest is fresh, chemical-free, and nutrient-rich.”
Making products market-ready
Ngwenya explains that she has attended SABS training, which she considers essential for anyone looking to venture into formal business.
She learned that the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) procedures are a series of steps designed to ensure that products, services, or systems meet national quality and safety standards.
“These procedures include applying for certification, undergoing product testing and quality audits, and maintaining compliance through ongoing inspections and updates.”
Ngwenya notes that these steps are vital for businesses. They ensure consistent quality, build consumer trust, and open doors to markets where SABS approval is required, such as retail chains, government tenders, and export opportunities.
She adds that they also help businesses comply with legal regulations, reduce the risks of product failure, and provide a competitive edge in the industry.
By following SABS procedures, companies demonstrate reliability, credibility, and a commitment to excellence, which strengthens their brand and supports growth.
Looking ahead, Ngwenya will be attending SABS training again to learn about new safety regulations. Once she receives her certificate, she will be able to operate her new sweet potato products formally, taking her agroprocessing business to the next level.
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