Lindiwe Moroka is a dynamic, young farmer based in Bloemfontein, who embodies creativity, innovation, and resilience. Although her journey into agriculture was unconventional, starting with no formal education in the field, Moroka’s passion and determination have propelled her to success.

Born in Cape Town, raised in Bloemfontein, and educated in Johannesburg, her background in brand innovation from Vega College initially set her on a different path. However, a chance suggestion from her Aunt Thandeka led her to consider macadamia farming with a group of women. As she waited for the project to take off, she began experimenting in her backyard.

“I wanted to see if I had green fingers, so I planted a few seeds, and my spinach came out. That was my first real introduction to farming.”

The macadamia project never materialised, but it sparked Moroka’s passion for agriculture. Encouraged by her success, she began farming on a small portion of her mother’s land. However, the journey was far from easy. The land lacked water, and electricity, and had a dilapidated fence. With the help of kind neighbours and the sheer will to succeed, Moroka managed to harvest her crops, which she used to reinvest in her farm.

Transitioning from branding to farming was not without challenges. “When I first started planting on my mom’s land, it was a mess. I had no formal education in agriculture, so I planted different seeds in various places, and everything grew, but it was chaotic. We dug out a catchment area to harvest rainwater, and I relied on my neighbours, Ntates Mompati and Dingane, for water. At one stage, Ntate Mompati even lent me his hosepipe to water my vegetables.”

Despite the difficulties, she remained undeterred. “I started from scratch, using the little I had. We did everything by hand – ploughing, planting, even fixing the fence in the scorching heat,” she says laughing.

A chance introduction to agriculture sparked Lindiwe's interest in growing her own vegetables. She prides herself on being a “hands-on” farmer in every aspect. Photo supplied

Her hard work began to pay off when a neighbouring farmer offered to plough a small piece of land for her, recognising her determination. “When he came back after a month and saw the spinach and kale I had planted. Then he said, ‘I knew you wouldn’t let this piece of land go to waste.’ ”

Moroka’s journey in agriculture is a testament to resilience. “There are many challenges in this space, and you need to be resilient. There’s a lot of rejection, and if you give up after the first ‘no’, that’s the end of your business.” She emphasises the importance of patience and passion, noting that “agriculture requires a lot of patience because what you plant today won’t come out tomorrow. It takes months, and you need to love what you do because your crops feel your energy.”

Her farm has grown significantly, focusing on eco-friendly farming practices. “I shy away from pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, opting for organically grown produce. My farm is an integrated place where flowers serve as natural pesticides, and bees help pollinate the crops. It’s a nice circle where everything and everyone takes care of each other.”

On her farm, Lindiwe focuses on eco-friendly farming practices and has grown her operations significantly. Photo supplied

Moroka’s success is not just about her achievements but also about making a broader impact. “I am combating food insecurity, bit by bit, and trying to reduce unemployment by employing members of the community, whether temporarily or seasonally.”

Her contribution to the agricultural sector is also about challenging norms. “I want young females to know that anything is possible, especially in a male-dominated industry. Start with what you have and think outside the box. Farming doesn’t have to be traditional; it can be creative and innovative.”

Looking to the future, she envisions South Africa with more farmers adopting eco-friendly practices. “I would love to see more farmers in South Africa because it would help combat food insecurity and unemployment. I also hope more farmers will go the eco-friendly route, using organic methods and moving away from harmful chemicals. At the end of the day, it’s about our health and saving the earth.”

OFM Agri/Robyn Schutte cg