She waited two and half years to get accreditation but Gabbey Gostina Malope’s unwavering spirit and knocking on as many doors as she could, is how she started Toutele Agriculture College South Africa. In this edition of Farmer’s Inside Track, we get to know the woman behind the college and what drives her work in this dynamic industry.
Before we learn to fly, we must first grow our wings, believes Malope.
She says all farmers must start somewhere in the sector. “Opportunities are there in agriculture, one needs to navigate it with an open mind [and say] I do not want to be like somebody, but I want to see if I can bring change, bring something unique.”
‘Investing in yourself is a priority’
Malope says while funding is essential, it does not mean that everyone will get this opportunity. In the podcast she explains why she believes that skills will better your chances when it comes to applying for funding. It takes baby steps, she adds.
“My theme for this month [is] taking back traditional agricultural practices… It’s very important because the indigenous farming ways have more money [for] us, and we are unaware. We need to be unapologetic with taking back the traditional farming or agricultural practices.”
Malope also discusses the importance of selling your products at spaces where they will add more value.
The episode also features Corteva Agriscience #SoilSista, Roseline Mapuranga, a former construction manager who took the plunge and bought a smallholding to set up a small hydroponics system.
ALSO READ: Toutele drives disability-inclusive agri education
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Option 2: Click here listen on any Apple device.
Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
Sign up for Farmer’s Inside Track: Join our exclusive platform for new entrants into farming and agri-business, with newsletters and podcasts.
