Embarking on a daring shift from steel manufacturing to agriculture, #SoilSista Zanele Lukhele grew her humble animal feed shop into a thriving agro-dealership, overcoming challenges and expanding to rural areas.
Zanele Lukhele’s journey into farming and agribusiness began with a leap of faith in 2020. Leaving behind a job in steel manufacturing, she stepped into the world of agriculture by starting an animal feed shop. From its humble beginnings, her shop grew, becoming a comprehensive agro-dealership in Mpumalanga.
Running an agro-dealership wasn’t easy. Lukhele faced challenges typical in the industry – managing funds, dealing with supply shortages, and competing against bigger dealerships. But despite the hurdles, she persisted, expanding her business to reach rural communities in different provinces.
Finding support from likeminded farmers
Her path took a significant turn when she joined the 2023 Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur Programme. It connected her with fellow entrepreneurs and provided valuable insights into the industry. It wasn’t just about learning; it was about finding support and inspiration from other women in agriculture.
She sometimes found it difficult to balance her life as a mother, her career in agriculture and taking part in the programme.
“I had challenges with my son; when I attend school, where and how am I going to leave him to be looked after? So, sometimes I would not be able to avail myself to attend classes,” she admits.
However, she pushed through and rose to the challenge and today, she is grateful that she persisted.
Potential in the poultry industry
Lukhele’s participation in the #SoilSistas programme sparked a new vision. She saw the potential for collaboration among poultry producers to address industry-wide shortages. Her goal was clear: to ensure that small-scale businesses wouldn’t face supply challenges, fostering stability and growth in the industry.
“I have gained a lot so much [and met] inspiring women, and even today we are hoping to even get more collaborations. I’ve gotten in touch with some of the poultry producers,” she says about the programme.
“We visited a farm in Pretoria that was an eye-opener into the space of cannabis. That was very interesting to learn, and I mean, had I not been with Corteva I wouldn’t have been privy to the information we have received.”
Today, her story is a testament to the determination and resilience needed in the agricultural world. Her journey, marked by struggles and triumphs, stands as a beacon for others aspiring to step into agribusiness. As she continues her path, Lukhele embodies the spirit of perseverance and community support, nurturing her dreams and empowering others in the agricultural landscape.
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