Lusani Alicia Mamuliki, 30, from Biaba Township in the Nzhelele area, is encouraging young women to take initiative, create jobs, and combat poverty in rural communities.
Mamuliki's company, Katshi Malala Agricultural Trading and Projects, was recently named Best Young Female Farmer by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in partnership with the Vhembe District Municipality. She received a R50,000 voucher to purchase agricultural supplies.
Speaking after the awards ceremony at Rivers of Living Water Cathedral Church in Ha-Ramukhuba village, Mamuliki said farming was demanding and required dedication. "Agriculture can be a viable business and a way to create jobs for others," she said.
Mamuliki runs a 10-hectare tomato farm in Maangani village, generating an annual turnover of R725,000. She employs 11 permanent workers and around 50 seasonal workers. "This is better than depending on handouts," she said.
She emphasised the importance of networking and learning from other farmers to succeed. "Gone are the days when a woman's place is only in the kitchen," she said. Her tomatoes are sold to Rhodes Food Group, local hawkers, and even exported to Mozambique.
With her award voucher, Mamuliki plans to buy seedlings and watering equipment to expand her business and inspire other young people. "Now the sky is the limit," she said.