Muofhe Matsheketsheke, a 27-year-old from Mutshenzheni in Tshitavha village near Musina, is a dedicated crop farmer. She grows okra, cabbage, butternut, tomatoes, and spinach, and apart from supplying local vendors, she also sells her produce to markets in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Farming has always been Matsheketsheke's dream since her days as a student at Tshikundamalema Secondary School. Her passion for farming was ignited by her community, which practiced small-scale agriculture for survival. After school, she would assist with farming activities, which she enjoyed, gradually developing a deep passion for it.
"Being a farmer means feeding the nation with quality produce," said Matsheketsheke. "I intend to expand and venture into other areas of agriculture, like manufacturing, aiming to play a leading role in the entire value chain of agriculture in Africa and the diaspora. This farming journey has been difficult but educational. I learned a lot from other farmers and community members, especially about handling money to make the farm work. Through discipline and consistency, my farm continues to thrive."
Her family and community have been very supportive, contributing positively to her farm's success. Matsheketsheke emphasises that passion makes things work. She balances life and farming through discipline and consistency, ensuring that neither aspect is neglected. She believes in starting with what one has and figuring out the rest along the way, and she values interactions with other farmers to gain valuable information.
"No one is coming to save you; you have to start and do something. You are the one you have been waiting for," she concludes.