Emmaculate Malashe’s pioneering path in agriculture, from founding Mafuba Fresh to navigating challenges amid a pandemic, underscores her resilience. With a passion for quality and dedication to empowering others, this #SoilSista is breaking barriers.
#SoilSista Emmaculate Malashe’s journey embodies resilience and determination in the face of challenges. Chosen for the esteemed Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur Programme, she represents innovation and passion in agriculture.
Her story, deeply rooted in her upbringing and a profound love for agriculture, speaks volumes about the power of dedication. Growing up in the small agricultural town of Viljoenskroon in the Free State, her father’s influence and her exposure to the world of farming ignited a spark that would shape her future.
Malashe’s academic pursuits in agriculture, coupled with her specialisation in plant production and fruits, laid the foundation for her remarkable journey.
With over 18 years of experience in the fruit industry, her expertise spans various sectors, culminating in the founding of Mafuba Fresh in 2019. Her venture involved sourcing fruits from growers, processing, grading, and packaging them for market shelves – a labour of love, meticulously crafted with a keen eye for quality and customer needs.
Rising above challenges
Challenges, as inevitable as they are in any entrepreneurial pursuit, were not unfamiliar to Malashe. The timing of her business launch, just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, presented its own set of trials and triumphs. While the initial period saw a surge in demand, navigating the complexities of a saturated market post-pandemic posed new hurdles.
The key challenge lay in expanding her business, penetrating markets dominated by larger players, and establishing her unique foothold. Her quest for growth led her to seek further knowledge and skills through programs like #SoilSistas, presented in partnership with the GIBS Entrepreneurship Academy.
Networking became a cornerstone of her journey, breaking the isolation that often accompanies small business ownership and opening doors to opportunities previously unseen.
As a young black female agro-processor, Malashe acknowledges the scarcity of representation in her field. Yet, her drive to pave the way for others fuels her determination. She embraces her role as a pioneer, recognising the significance of her journey in inspiring future generations.
Embrace challenges and opportunities
The financial aspect, often a critical factor in business sustainability and growth, was dealt with in a typical irrepressible style. Starting with support from her former boss, who believed in her vision, her prudent management allowed her to repay the loan earlier than anticipated. While the business sustains itself, she acknowledges the need for additional funding to fuel her ambitions.
Malashe’s business, Mafuba Fresh, isn’t just about products; it’s about fostering opportunities and impacting lives. Her team, comprising passionate individuals devoted to maintaining high standards, reflects her commitment to quality and development. Empowering a young graduate through training and mentorship is just one example of her dedication to nurturing talent within her enterprise.
Her advice to aspiring women in the agricultural industry echoes a profound truth: it’s a challenging journey, yet entirely possible. Embrace risks, create support networks, and be the change agents that the industry craves. Her journey encapsulates the spirit of perseverance, urging others to follow their dreams despite the odds.
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