Ms Mavis Khorommbi (64), a pensioner from Tshitavha Vhulaudzi, is calling on rural women to seriously consider vegetable farming, not only as a means to sustain themselves and their families, but also to play their part in promoting the local agricultural sector.
Khorommbi started framing as a pastime in 1998 with only two hectors of land. Today she has five hectares, with four permanent and six temporary workers. She plants cabbage, dry beans, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes, which provide for her whole family, with enough left to sell to the community as well.
She said that, despite the current challenges faced by farmers, agriculture was still the backbone of the economy in the district. She encouraged female farmers to unite, so that they can assist each other with problems and the challenges that they face. "Agriculture is a means to combat poverty in our communities, but it also plays an important role in our economic development."
Khorommbi says that South African women will never be free as long as they look down upon themselves, especially in terms of entrepreneurship. Her advice to other women is to seek as much information as possible to equip themselves with business skills. "Gaining information is vital in the economic development of our country. You will never get the information if you don't network and attend business seminars, workshops, and meetings. There is no longer a specific job for a specific gender. The world is changing daily."
In her opinion, people must stop talking so much and, instead, start implementing their business skills. "There are many opportunities for women in agriculture today. As long as you remain focused, you have no reason to be afraid to take risks. We must look at agriculture holistically, not just as an operation of producing and selling vegetables. Women can start their own cooperatives and become pillars of our economy by becoming their own bosses," she said.