Deep within the lush landscapes of Limpopo, known for its breathtaking bushveld and reserves, lies an inspiring tale of resilience and community spirit. Kamogelo Mogadima has been cultivating crops and raising poultry on her 15-hectare plot since 2016.
In Kamogelo Mogadima’s world, agriculture is unequivocally a women’s domain. Raised by formidable women in the Sekhukhune district, where 80% of families farm for sustenance, she has now also earned a place in the 2023 Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur Programme presented by the GIBS Entrepreneurship Academy.
“Life in our rural community is unlike any other,” she tells Food For Mzansi. “Farming is our way of life, and I’ve been helping my grandmother and mother on the farm for as long as I can remember.”
A moment of empathy that sparked change
Mogadima’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a profound moment of empathy. During a celebratory gathering at her home, her mother dispatched her to borrow a neighbour’s large spatula for the communal cooking pot.
“I went to our neighbour’s house, only to find them preparing a meal. I borrowed the spatula, and as I waited, they began to serve the food, and to my astonishment, the sole dish on their table was pap,” she recounts.
In that pivotal instant, she realised that the family of 11 had nothing else to eat but this humble porridge. With everything they possessed, they shared a sense of unity that deeply moved her heart. It was then that the seeds of poultry farming were sown.
#SoilSistas a catalyst for transformation
The Corteva Agriscience #SoilSistas programme arrived at the perfect juncture in Mogadima’s life. Her thirst for knowledge has always been a driving force. What makes this journey even sweeter is the opportunity to connect with women who empower her to believe in the limitless possibilities before her.
“I love and enjoy the environment that we are in. I am grateful for the opportunity that Corteva has provided to South African women. Back then women were not given enough opportunities. We were just home and taking care of the kids,” she says.
The programme brilliantly spotlights the often-overlooked and marginalised women who are the backbone of our agricultural landscape. Mogadima’s expectations have not only been met but surpassed as she thrives on this transformative journey.
Her story is a testament to the power of empathy, determination, and community support. As she continues to till the soil and nurture her dreams, she stands as an inspiration to many, proving that with heart and unwavering dedication, they can transform not only their own lives but the lives of those around us.
ALSO READ: Sowing the future: Third-gen #SoilSista makes her mark
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