Meet Hlobisile Yende, the dynamic third-generation farmer who is not only leaving her footprint as a #SoilSista but also cultivating innovation and hope in the world of agriculture. Her journey embodies the fusion of tradition and modernity, redefining the landscape one harvest at a time.
Nurtured by generations past, third-generation farmer Yende cultivates the land with unwavering dedication. Aged just 28, this #SoilSista stands as a beacon of hope, her convictions firmly grounded in the promise of agriculture’s future impact.
Yende, who holds a master’s degree in psychology, has secured a place in the 2023 Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur Programme presented by GIBS Entrepreneurship Academy. Her story is one of deep connection, spanning years of observing her family’s endurance during the apartheid era, and their unwavering commitment to sustain South Africa’s food supply.
Growing up amidst the verdant fields and sprawling hectares of land, Yende was captivated by the corporate world, leading her to become an accounting manager. However, her heart led her back to Heidelberg, Gauteng, where she currently serves as the director of Yende and Partners, embracing her role in full-time farming.
A mix of the old and new
“I learned and relied on the skills from my grandfather and father. I thought what could I bring? We are moving and times are changing,” she shared in an interview with Food For Mzansi.
Her goal is to blend contemporary practices, including technology, with traditional farming techniques. The core vision and mission remain unaltered, accompanied by thrilling prospects of continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning.
“My dad trusted my judgment and it was a way for us to spend more time together. He saw the change I brought to the farm and that’s where he was comfortable that his business is in good hands,” she says.
Seizing word-of-mouth opportunities
Yende first learned about the #SoilSista programme through word of mouth, thanks to an encouraging friend who happens to be a cattle farmer. This friend persuaded her that it was tailor-made for her, prompting her to apply.
“I have been looking for programmes for women in agriculture and I thought this was it. I have my MBA in psychology, but I wish I studied agriculture so this was perfect for me,” she explains.
Yende embodies a formidable spirit, thriving on cultivating relationships. She regards the programme as an invaluable networking platform. “I thought if I go into this programme it will upskill me and I will know the different methods and strategies to take our business to the next level,” she says.
Meeting her peers in the programme illuminated her blind spot – the absence of a network of ambitious women in agriculture. This revelation strengthened her resolve to create a legacy of empowered women excelling in agriculture.
ALSO READ: From engineer to #SoilSista: The unconventional rise of Dlalisile
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