A young female farmer from Bloemfontein, Sibongile Mzuzwana, is making strides in the farming industry alongside her family at Thobituki Enterprises Pty Ltd.
The family-run business, located on Eensgevonden farm in Meadows, focuses on livestock farming, including Bonsmara and Charolais cattle, as well as a mixture of sheep and goat breeds.
Mzuzwana studied Investment and Banking at the University of the Free State. After graduating, she initially aimed to work in finance, but the Covid-19 pandemic shifted her plans. “I’ve been a farm girl since I was 14, and when Covid hit, I redirected my focus,” she said.
Mzuzwana joined her father, mother, and brother in the family business, taking charge of finances and administration, while helping to manage the farm’s day-today operations.
Furthermore, Mzuzwana is working on introducing new breeds, such as Charolais cattle, to enhance the farm’s livestock diversity. “The Charolais breed is not very common in South Africa, but it offers excellent adaptability and high-quality meat,” she explained.
“I ensure everything from record-keeping to managing feed production, especially during the changing seasons. Farming is not low maintenance, but with proper recordkeeping, it becomes manageable,” she shared.
While she enjoys the work, Mzuzwana faces challenges, particularly as a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. “In the beginning, it was difficult to be taken seriously, especially in meetings where women were scarce. But things have evolved, and now there are more opportunities for young farmers, including women, to be heard and supported,” she said.
In addition to the challenges of farming, Mzuzwana also faced a personal setback when her family’s home was invaded last year and her father was shot. The family also struggles with frequent livestock theft, which has added another layer of difficulty to their farming operations.
Looking to the future, Mzuzwana is optimistic about the role young farmers will play in shaping the future of agriculture in the Free State. “Young farmers in the Free State are eager and ready to learn. There’s great potential for agriculture in this province.”
Her advice to young women looking to enter agriculture is straightforward: “Start small. You don’t need a largescale operation to begin with. Do your research, reach out to others in the industry, and ask for help. The farming community is very supportive.”
Justine Fortuin
