Education is the key to Dr Gabby Malope’s success. As a proud #SoilSista, she finds immense joy and fulfilment in empowering young people within the agricultural sector, advocating for a future where knowledge becomes the cornerstone of sustainable agriscience.
Breaking ground in more ways than one, Dr Gabby Malope, a beacon of hope in the education sphere, has undeniably earned her esteemed place in the 2023 Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur programme. Revealing the captivating story behind her creation of an agricultural college, her tale is a glowing testament to the resilience that radiates from her very being.
Malope is the founder and director of Toutele Agriculture College which today boasts branches across South Africa. The college offers 18 AgriSETA-accredited qualifications with a vision to empower and equip communities with the skills needed to prosper amid tough economic conditions.
This remarkable achievement has now also led to a spot on the third #SoilSistas cohort. “When I learned that I was going to be a part of the programme, I practically booked all the flights for the year,” she said in an interview with Food For Mzansi.
The Corteva programme is presented at the GIBS Entrepreneurship Development Academy in Johannesburg.
Leading the way
Malope, who lives in Durban, expresses her love for education and community work, narrating her story and the importance of knowing how to articulate oneself as a leader.
“When you can articulate something, you are capable and able to guide parts of the village or the town in a new direction. I always say when you are a leader, be eager to learn,” she says confidently.
Applying one’s heart to understanding involves working effectively with people and Malope believes that listening to others and making them feel heard is important. “Seek first to understand and listen to others, before you wish to be heard,” she says, adding that this approach helps us build a nation together.
Relationships build partnerships
Yet, there is nothing more exceptional than relationship building. In the last three years, the Corteva programme has brought together women who have a shared mission and vision in the agricultural sector.
For Malope, it has been a blessing to form these relationships that have transformed her life. “To thrive in this industry, stakeholders and partnerships are crucial and they foster growth,” she says.
Malope asserts that understanding community and cultural diversity is crucial, and so too is discerning how to operate effectively within these paradigms while staying true to one’s vision. Her role in shaping the future of agriscience is undeniable, and the #SoilSista3 programme is a testament to her commitment.
‘Let’s keep raising the bar’
As she boldly declares, “We need to move into a space of raising our bar for the next season.”
In her words, we find a resounding call to action – for herself, for her community, and for the broader agricultural sector, to not only strive but thrive in the evolving seasons ahead.
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