Growing up in Masisi village outside Musina, Mukovhe Masilinge witnessed first-hand the struggles of unemployment and food insecurity. Determined to make a difference, she sought a practical solution—chicken farming, a sustainable way to address these issues while building a profitable business.
A passionate and driven entrepreneur, Masilinge has always been motivated by the idea of creating something meaningful and lasting. "Agriculture, especially chicken farming, is more than just a business for me—it's a way to support my family while also contributing to food security in my community," she said.
Starting her journey was not easy as she faced challenges such as limited resources. However, she remained resilient, learning valuable lessons along the way. "The journey has had its ups and downs, but seeing my farm grow and knowing I am making a positive impact keeps me going," she added.
Masilinge's farm is not only about production; it also provides employment. She currently has two permanent employees who assist with feeding, cleaning, and managing logistics. "My family has been incredibly supportive. Their encouragement during tough times has kept me focused on my goals. Hard work, consistency, and staying informed about industry trends have been key to my success. Most importantly, I prioritise the health of my chickens because a thriving business starts with well-cared-for livestock," she explained.
In addition to her poultry business, Masilinge holds a bachelor of earth sciences in hydrology and water resources from the University of Venda. Despite her academic background, she remains dedicated to agriculture and aims to expand her poultry business. "My vision is to build a large-scale, sustainable poultry farm that creates jobs and strengthens food security. I love the entire process—from raising chicks to seeing them develop into healthy chickens. Knowing that my work helps feed people is incredibly fulfilling."
Having been in the industry for four years, Masilinge has faced obstacles such as high feed costs, diseases, and market competition. She has tackled these challenges by adopting efficient farming practices, investing in biosecurity measures, and building strong relationships with customers.
Beyond chicken farming, she is also involved in the street-food business. "Balancing both ventures requires careful time management and clear priorities. In five years, I see myself running a fully automated poultry farm with a larger production capacity. I also want to expand into supplying other poultry products and mentoring young farmers," she said.