Discover the inspiring tale of #SoilSista Wendy Malope, who found her true calling in farming, leveraging her grandmother’s farming wisdom. From corporate communications to agriculture, her journey in the Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur Programme has transformed her life, fostering hope.
No matter where you go, all roads lead back to your roots. For years, #SoilSista Wendy Malope loved the dynamics of corporate communications, but always felt she needed a shift.
The shift back to her roots, where her grandmother was an avid farmer, teaching her everything she needed to know and could take with her, has been inspiring. After all, there’s an old tale that goes, the older you become, the wiser your decisions.
Malope has now also earned her spot in the 2023 cohort of the Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur Programme.
“My grandmother was an avid farmer; she farmed everything, and we picked it up from her. From fruits to veggies to herbs,” she says.
Navigating a new path filled with hope
For Malope, redirecting her path from corporate communications to farming felt like second nature. Making these life-changing decisions brought her hope for a new future, even as she faced many trials and tribulations.
“As I got older, I realised I have a passion for working with nature. At the time, it was not just about the passion but also a healing process for me because I had gone through some difficulties in my life,” she says.
In 2020, she embarked on a new journey and never looked back. As the CEO of Soleom Foods, a company with diverse portfolios, agriculture is one of the many ventures this amazing #SoilSista is involved in and it continues to grow.
“I started small with organic crops, such as spinach, potatoes, and tomatoes. The herbs are a pilot project that I just started, and it is doing well,” she says.
Growing with the #SoilSistas
Malope says she feels honoured, inspired, and filled with excitement about being a part of the sought-after blended development programme in partnership with the GIBS Entrepreneurship Academy.
Meeting other women who also have a desire to make a difference in the food system warms her heart.
“The first time I heard about the programme was through Food For Mzansi. To be honest, I just took a chance and applied during load shedding, and the application didn’t want to go through, but eventually, it did, and here I am,” she expresses.
Additionally, she expresses confidence that there are significant differences she has noticed in her farming venture since being a part of the programme. It has helped her rethink and restructure her business for success.
“It is very important to build networks and relationships, especially as women. I have gained so much knowledge among the #SoilSistas just by meeting them,” she says.
ALSO READ: Side to main Hustle: #SoilSista’s Journey to farming triumph
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