Tlakale Mphahlele journeyed from food technology to being selected for the Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur Programme. Her commitment to empowering rural women in agriculture redefines triumph amid challenges.
In the expansive world of farming, challenges often intertwine with remarkable achievements, and Tlakale Mphahlele’s journey embodies this intricate tapestry of resilience and triumph. She stands as a beacon among the select #SoilSistas, an esteemed cohort of inspiring women chosen for the prestigious 2023 Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur Programme.
Mphahlele’s narrative unfurls from her tenure at the department of labour, where she devoted over a decade to the intricate science of food technology. However, it was her profound realisation that “you are what you eat” that catalysed a seismic shift in her trajectory. Despite her extensive experience working with food, she understood that true nourishment and well-being sprout from cultivating one’s own healthy produce.
This epiphany led her back to the roots of her lineage, embracing the enduring legacy of farming woven into her family’s history in Nigel, Gauteng. Her transition from a government role to becoming a #SoilSista signifies not just a change in career but a transformation of purpose – a commitment to nurturing the land and her community.
Overcoming obstacles
But as with any remarkable journey, Mphahlele’s path was strewn with challenges. The pursuit of funding posed a formidable obstacle, with traditional financial institutions demanding collateral that often overlooked the significance of lease agreements vital for rural farmers like herself.
Moreover, as a woman navigating the rural farming landscape, she encountered scepticism and barriers rooted in stereotypes that questioned her ability based solely on gender and location.
Yet, Mphahlele’s resilience surged forth, becoming a guiding light amid these adversities. Her selection as a #SoilSista stands as a testament to her unwavering determination and the transformative potential she holds.
This esteemed year-long blended development programme at the GIBS Entrepreneurship Academy symbolises not just an opportunity but a platform for Mphahlele to further cultivate her skills, forge invaluable connections, and amplify her impact. It’s a stage where her tenacity and vision for empowering rural women in agriculture will resonate and flourish.
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A champion for education
Mphahlele champions tailored education and training programmes that cater to the diverse literacy levels among rural women. She advocates fiercely for gender equality not only within farming communities but across the global landscape.
Amid the shifting tides of climate change, Mphahlele’s adaptability and proactive measures serve as a blueprint for resilience in agriculture. Her pursuit of short-term cultivars to maximise yield before the changing weather patterns impact her crops showcases the agility essential for success in the ever-evolving world of farming.
Mphahlele’s journey embodies the spirit of transforming challenges into opportunities. Her unwavering commitment to nourishing the nation, her fervent advocacy for women empowerment in agriculture, and her resolute belief in collaboration as a catalyst for progress inspire and uplift.
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