Lebohang Dhludhlu transformed a dream into a thriving poultry business, defying stereotypes and creating opportunities for her community.
Mpumalanga, South Africa (05 August 2024)—Lebohang Dhludhlu is the proud founder of Nkanyezi Farming, a thriving poultry farm that is dedicated to feeding and empowering its community.
She spoke to The Good Things Guy about her passion for farming and how, through it, she is breaking barriers and making a difference in her community.
Lebohang always knew she wanted to start a business but wasn’t quite sure in what until she put her faith in God, who led her to an interest in chickens.
Making her mark in a male-dominated field
Lebohang admits that she didn’t have a background in agriculture but did have a lot of faith. She did her research and realised that the market for young black female farmers existed.
“Agriculture often carries a very male, very scruffy image. However, I and the many incredible female farmers I meet constantly show that agriculture can be alluring, too,” Lebohang shared.
She started running the business from her garage with her husband. Her supportive mother was the first customer who bought 50 chickens.
“We started selling to a few other clients in the area. Slowly, word got out about us; of course, my love for posting on social media didn’t hurt. As we grew, we tried to improve, started using professional abattoirs, and tried to grow our own chickens.
“We failed a couple of times. We partnered up with people who may not have been the best match for us. We did a lot of falling, but every time we got back up, we were better,” said Lebohang, who worked full-time for a while, juggling demanding workloads and her agricultural calling.
Playing her part in giving back
Lebohang’s impact extends beyond her business success; her commitment to giving back and uplifting others makes her a true inspiration.
She has managed to create job opportunities for ten permanent employees, a number that will likely rise with her upcoming expansion plans for the poultry farm as she wishes to “nourish the globe” and produce vegetables too.
“These employees are mostly young people who are eager to learn and willing to grow with us as a team.”
Going beyond the business of chicken, Lebohang and her team also managed to provide warm, cooked meals to 100 homeless people in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, on Mandela Day, 18 July 2024.
Lebohang on defying the odds
Of course, running any project and business comes with a medley of challenges. For Lebohang, it has been struggling to access markets, high input costs, battles with transport infrastructure and avian flu outbreaks.
“Farming is a field that requires research; the more information you have, the better. I’ve never considered myself a one-stop-shop kind of person. I know and appreciate my strengths, and I’m always excited to be helped by someone with a different set of strengths.
“I believe in collective wisdom; I’m convinced that we are more effective when we collaborate so I try to find people I can partner with and learn from. When we do it that way, I’ve found it reduces the growing pains.”
Encouraging others to chase their dreams
According to Lebohang, dreams are what make humanity run.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that limitations are self-imposed and that with determination, even the sky is not the limit.
“We have technology, modern medicine, cars, global economies, black women running thriving farming businesses and so much more because people dared to dream.
“Imagine what incredible thing you could be denying the world if you don’t dare to chase yours,” the faithful farmer encouraged.
Sources: Nothando Mthembu / Lebohang Dhludhlu
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