Siaga Benedicta, an animal scientist by profession, is convinced she was born to be a farmer. After earning a bachelor’s degree in animal production, a diploma in agricultural management, a diploma in animal health, and an advanced diploma in animal health from the University of Limpopo, she didn’t hunt for jobs.

Instead, she planted her knowledge deep into the soil of her farm, allowing her profession to blossom.

Today, she uses her expertise to not only cultivate the land but also to uplift her community by offering free veterinary services to those in need.

As the director of Tshitalufuno General Trading, established in 2019 in Shakadza Village in the Musina district of Limpopo, Benedicta has transformed 5ha of land into a thriving mixed farming enterprise, focusing on cash crops and animal production.

“My ambitions don’t end here. I plan to expand into egg production and more, and my vision transcends farming. It’s about creating a sustainable, profitable enterprise that boosts local economies and provides much-needed employment,” she says.

Benedicta’s journey is a powerful reminder that true success isn’t just about personal growth but about using our talents to sow seeds of progress in the communities around us.

“It’s a steep challenge. Undeveloped distribution networks, poor roads and fickle water supplies are difficult hurdles for even the most competent farmer, and many of these would-be farmers have little training or experience,” she explains.

In a region often challenged by economic hardship and limited opportunities, a new crop of young farmers is planting the seeds of change.

Thanks to an innovative internship programme funded by the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and bolstered by the mentorship of the North-West University Business School, over 60 young agripreneurs, including Benedicta, are reshaping the agricultural landscape one farm at a time.

The journey from eager intern to successful business owner is not an easy one, but it’s a path that many of these young agripreneurs are walking with determination and grit.

Thriving vegetable farm

Petrus Maribula, the 27-year-old owner of Serogole Agric Enterprise in the small village of Ga-Mothapo, near Polokwane, says just three years ago he was struggling to find a foothold in the agriculture sector, despite his passion for farming.

Today, he runs a thriving farm that supplies fresh produce to local stores and markets, and employs young people from his community.

“I never imagined I could turn my love for farming into a business,” he says as he packs crates of strawberries for delivery.

“The internship programme was a game-changer. It didn’t just teach me about agriculture; it taught me how to run a business.”

Maribula’s transformation is just one of many success stories emerging from this ambitious programme, which combines hands-on agricultural training with robust business mentorship. Participants are immersed in every aspect of farming, from planting and harvesting to financial management and marketing.

Oarabile Manyaapelo, North-West University Business School’s small business advisory bureau manager, emphasises the importance of equipping these young farmers with the entrepreneurial skills necessary to thrive in a competitive market.

“At the business school, we go beyond traditional farming techniques,” he explains.

“We teach [the students] how to develop strong business plans, navigate the complexities of securing funding and, most importantly, how to access markets. It’s about turning them into entrepreneurs, not just farmers.”

This comprehensive approach has had a profound impact on the participants. Under the business school’s guidance, these young farmers have learnt to think strategically about their businesses, focusing on scalability and sustainability. They are taught to view their farms not just as sources of food but as viable enterprises that can drive economic growth in their communities.

“The ripple effects of these efforts are being felt far beyond the farms. As these young entrepreneurs build their businesses, they are also creating jobs and contributing to local food security. In a region where unemployment is high and access to fresh produce can be limited, their efforts are making a tangible difference,“ adds Manyaapelo.

Kekana Rakgadi, another programme graduate, and owner of Thlabasaka Farm Enterprises in Mapelo Village, has used his new-found skills to start a poultry farm that now supplies eggs and chickens to several surrounding villages and mines.

“Before attending the programme, I didn’t know where to start,” she recalls.

“Now, not only am I supporting my family, but I’m also helping my neighbours by providing them with affordable, locally produced food.”

The impact of such initiatives extends to improving agricultural practices, too. Many of these young farmers are adopting sustainable methods, such as organic farming and water conservation, which they learnt during their training. This focus on sustainability is crucial in a region prone to droughts and other environmental challenges.

The success of this programme highlights a critical, often overlooked, aspect of youth empowerment in agriculture, namely mentorship.

By providing young people with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to succeed, mentorship programmes like this one are fostering a new generation of agricultural leaders who are capable of driving change in their communities and beyond.

For many of these young entrepreneurs, the programme has been more than just an educational experience – it has been a lifeline. “This programme gave me hope when I had none,” says Rakgadi.

“It showed me that with the right support, I could achieve things I never thought possible.”

As South Africa continues to grapple with a high level of youth unemployment and rural poverty, the lesson from Limpopo’s young agripreneurs is clear: with targeted support and mentorship, young people can play a vital role in driving sustainable development and economic growth.

According to Nakedi Kekana, Limpopo MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, the internship programme is not just a model for agricultural development but also a blueprint for how to empower young people across the province.

“By focusing on skills development, mentorship and market access, this programme is helping to create a new generation of farmers who are not only feeding their communities but also building stronger, more resilient economies,” adds Kekana.

Lifelines for communities

These enterprises are more than just businesses; they are lifelines for their communities.

They provide fresh produce, jobs and training opportunities, while encouraging sustainable practices and entrepreneurship. In a region where unemployment and poverty rates are high, these young farmers offer hope and a blueprint for self-sufficiency and resilience.

Despite their successes, these agricultural entrepreneurs face significant challenges. Access to capital, markets and technology remains a hurdle. Many rely on outdated equipment and lack the infrastructure needed to scale up production or expand into new markets.

Moreover, climate change poses a growing threat. Unpredictable weather patterns, droughts and floods can devastate crops and livestock. Yet, these young farmers are not easily deterred. They are embracing innovative solutions such as shade nets to protect seedlings and using organic fertilisers like cattle manure to enrich the soil.

Manyaapelo passionately describes the programme’s impact:

“At our business school, we understand the unique challenges that emerging farmers face. That’s why we have tailored our support to meet their specific needs. We provide them with entrepreneurial skills that go beyond farming techniques, focusing on the business acumen required to succeed in today’s market-driven economy.”

He says the programme offers comprehensive assistance in the development of robust business plans, guiding young farmers through the intricate process of setting up viable, scalable agricultural enterprises.

“A solid business plan is the cornerstone of any successful venture,” he explains.

“We work closely with these entrepreneurs to craft plans that not only reflect their vision but are also realistic and sustainable.”