A ZULULAND female farmer’s passion to succeed in the male-dominated farming industry paid dividends when she bagged the coveted ‘Female Entrepreneur of the Year’ award.
Smangele Maria Gumede (56), who farms in the Nkwalini Valley near eShowe, says her inspiration to farm came from her grandmother who taught her how to plant sunflowers, sorghum and maize.
‘In 2007, Tongaat Hulett was appointed by the government to be our strategic partner at Intathakusa Farm, where we harvest sugarcane and citrus.
She and her husband Sibusiso have benefitted from free training sessions provided by Tongaat Hulett.
The couple have been farming sugarcane and citrus at Intathakusa Farm for the past 10 years, while their son assists with harvesting sugarcane in the Amatikulu area.
Gumede says she would be thrilled to have her children join the family farming team once they completed their university studies.
‘I am thrilled to have won the award out of hundreds of farmers in KZN.
‘The highlight of the evening for me was meeting and engaging with Themba Mthembu, KZN MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development.
‘I also had the opportunity to meet various officials from other provinces.’
She said some of the challenges experienced on her road to success were the lack of readily available funding, outdated equipment, maintenance of the farm, drought and heavy storms, irrigation equipment and cable theft.
Future plans
Gumede plans to invest in good quality tractors and equipment, build an office and increase the production of sugarcane and citrus crops to enable more people to be gainfully employed.
She encourages young women to strive towards their dreams, be active and take a hands-on approach to their work.
Hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the KZN Female Entrepreneur Awards recognises the outstanding work and achievements of women in the agricultural sector.
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