From Civil Servant to successful farmer: Abongile Yetse Sidzumo’s inspiring journey
After her contract ended at the Department of Health in 2022, Abongile Yetse Sidzumo embarked on a new path as a farmer in Lusikisiki, Unity Park. Teaming up with her mother, they initially started planting vegetables in their home garden as a means of cutting costs and ensuring fresh produce for their family. However, they soon recognized the potential to turn their passion into a profitable venture.
“We started planting a few vegetables at home just for our own consumption, but then we saw an opportunity to sell some of our harvest,” Sidzumo explains. As demand from their growing customer base surged, they expanded their operation, investing in 200 plants weekly to keep up with orders, particularly from older clientele who value quality and freshness.
Yet, farming presented its own set of challenges. Sidzumo recounts the struggles they faced with heavy rains causing floods that destroyed their crops and the constant threat of animals breaching their inadequate fencing. Despite these obstacles, Sidzumo persevered, using personal funds to purchase fertilizers and tools essential for sustaining their plants.
However, her dedication and hard work paid off when she secured a lucrative deal to supply a supermarket in Lusikisiki. This marked a significant milestone in her farming journey, signaling progress and growth in her business. Since then, Sidzumo has achieved several goals she set for her farming enterprise, including building a loyal customer base and honing her marketing skills.
For Sidzumo, fostering healthy relationships with her clients and consistently meeting their demands are paramount. She envisions expanding her business to supply larger supermarkets, providing nutritious and wholesome food for communities near and far. Sidzumo’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of young entrepreneurs in rural areas, proving that with dedication and vision, success is within reach.
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