Meet Relebohile Nko, a Free State-based #SoilSista. Her resilient journey, marked by self-reliance and community commitment, epitomises the transformative power of passion and education in agriculture.
In the heart of Bethuli in the Free State, an entrepreneurial spirit has taken root, blossoming into an inspiring force in agriculture. Meet Relebohile Nko who embarked on a remarkable journey from financial accounting to nurturing the land. Her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of following one’s passion.
Nko’s narrative is one of evolution – a transition from the world of financial numbers to the fertile fields of farming. Her upbringing was sprinkled with glimpses of agriculture through her parents’ modest endeavours in crop and poultry production. However, her path initially gravitated towards accounting, a profession she pursued for three years before the yearning for a more hands-on, purpose-driven calling beckoned her soul.
Pushing through tragedy and trials
In 2016, Nko embraced her entrepreneurial spirit fully, setting the stage for her venture into farming. The seeds of her passion took root with Manosi JRM, a small-scale farming company specialising in crop production and poultry.
Yet, her leap into agriculture took a more definitive form after personal tragedy struck in 2020, propelling her towards dedicating herself wholeheartedly to the farm after her husband’s passing.
The journey wasn’t without its trials. Challenges loomed, from the struggle to access markets, battling high mortality rates in the early stages of poultry production, to grappling with the unpredictable nature of weather in the Free State. However, through sheer grit and unwavering determination, Nko navigated these hurdles, transforming them into stepping stones towards growth and learning.
What sets Nko’s journey apart is her spirit of self-reliance. She and her late husband chose a self-funding route, securing land through dedication, perseverance, and careful negotiation. With an inherent understanding that success is born from hard work and commitment, they built their enterprise from the ground up, investing in infrastructure, seedlings, livestock, and every aspect of the farming process.
Expanding horizons
Central to Nko’s ethos is a deep connection to her community and a commitment to giving back. Embracing the essence of sustainable growth, she opens doors for internships and employment opportunities within her farming endeavours, offering local youth a chance to partake in the transformative potential of agriculture.
Her participation in the 2023 cohort of the Corteva Women Agripreneur Programme is a testament to her hunger for knowledge and growth. Seeking to expand her horizons and equip herself with a formal education in agriculture, she embodies the spirit of continuous learning and progression, underscoring the importance of education in realising one’s dreams.
The fabric of her success is interwoven with solidarity and collaboration. Engaging with fellow #SoilSistas, she finds inspiration, motivation, and a wealth of shared knowledge. The camaraderie among women with a common vision fuels her personal and professional growth, emphasising the invaluable role of networking and mentorship in the agricultural landscape.
For Nko, farming isn’t merely a livelihood; it’s a calling – a labour of love that resonates deeply within her. Her advice to aspiring women farmers is steeped in wisdom and passion. She advocates for acquiring the right skills, seeking knowledge, and nurturing an unwavering belief in oneself, emphasising the endless potential within the agricultural realm.
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