KwaZulu-Natal farmer and business owner Zilungile Ndlovu was awarded the #Agristars first prize by the national department of agriculture for her success and contributions to the sector. She has multiple qualifications, but she’s not done learning yet. Ndlovu is one of the inspiring women selected for the Corteva Women Agripreneur 2022, a year-long blended development programme at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Entrepreneurship Development Academy (EDA).
The department’s awards showcase the exceptional achievements of young graduates, young entrepreneurs, and producers in agriculture from around the country.
The agricultural bug bit Ndlovu in high school. “I was first introduced to farming during my high school years at Wartburg Kirchdorf School where my teacher, who had farms, used to take us to study wetlands. It was at that time when I fell in love with farming, the setting of the farm, and the way of living,” she says.
Ndlovu decided to pursue a career in agriculture, enrolled at Unisa and completed her degree in agriculture management where she graduated cum laude.
Going places
But that was not enough for this go-getter. She obtained a master’s in business administration (MBA). She also attended and completed the seminar on agro-product market development and trade cooperation management for developing countries in Beijing, China.
Today, Ndlovu is a registered agricultural natural scientist at the South African Council for Scientist Professions.
Ndlovu was recognised above other young farmers from all over South Africa for her outstanding achievements as owner and managing director of Mjadiya Oil Suppliers and Renewable Energy – a company that offers both agricultural products (crop and livestock) and renewable energy products and services.
On the farm and beyond
On top of running her company and studying, Ndlovu still finds time to be involved in organised agriculture, serving on a variety of advisory committees and boards.
“I think this is why we won first prize at the national department of agriculture awards, not just for what we do on our farm, there are a lot of good young farmers, but rather for what we do outside of farming and how we help the community and the development of agriculture,” says Ndlovu.
Her 500-hectare farm just outside of Boston, KwaZulu-Natal is where her real passion lies. She farms livestock, largely focusing on the beef herd, where under her leadership she has managed to increase the amount of beef production. She also farms maize, potatoes, and cabbages at Virginia farm, which is home to several horse-riding trails.
“I plan to build a truck stop, petroleum depot and travel centre complete with a coffee shop, curio stands, traditional arts and food market, which I hope will boost tourism and create jobs in the area,” she adds.
Maximising agriculture and tourism
“Boston is a beautiful place, and it is a shame that people do not stop here. My farm is in the perfect position to draw tourists to the area, and to create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for locals from the surrounding communities.”
As part of her plan to maximise Boston’s agricultural sector and tourism to give back to her community, Ndlovu has also initiated several cultural development projects, including an indlamu traditional dance festival and a rural horse-riding club.
The horse-riding club aims to encourage local horse owners to get involved in horse-related recreational activities, particularly horse racing. The club, which meets monthly, places emphasis on teaching the youth about how to better care for their animals and about the opportunities that lie within the horse racing arena.
“I believe sport is a great way to discourage our youth from getting involved in drugs and other disruptive activities. By giving people a platform to showcase their talents and learn more, we can encourage more youth to take part in these activities.
“In 2016 during the drought, we provided the community of Impendle with free water from our dams and spring water, and this was broadcasted on eNCA news. I’ve also initiated several cultural development projects, including an indlamu traditional dance festival sponsored by the office of the premier and a rural horse-riding club, which is run from Virginia farm,” she says.
Life-changing Corteva programme
The Corteva programme has immensely expanded her networking and made Ndlovu aware of future collaborations outside of KZN, which she didn’t know were possible before Corteva.
She shares her excitement about meeting like-minded #SoilSistas with the same aspirations and goals in farming as hers.
“I’ve always had a heart for business in agriculture and my advanced education in both business and agriculture has brought about exciting ideas for the future. I was literally handpicked by God and feel highly favoured to be a part of the Corteva programme,” she says.
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