BONGEKA Gebuza, an honours student in Agricultural Sciences at Nelson Mandela University, has turned a modest gift of four rabbits from her father into a flourishing farming business, Khanyisa Agro-Organics Enterprise.
Gebuza’s achievements were recently celebrated at the prestigious Women Entrepreneur Awards, held at the Feather Market Centre. She secured the coveted youth category prize, along with a R50 000 cash award. The awards, hosted by the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, aim to empower women entrepreneurs to transition from small-scale to commercial farming, addressing poverty and unemployment.
A native of Port St Johns, Gebuza began her farming journey in 2022 and now manages 75 rabbits. Despite the demanding balance between her studies and farming responsibilities, she plans to use the prize money to enhance her rabbit farming setup and potentially acquire a feeding machine. This dual role of student and entrepreneur showcases her dedication and time management skills, which she said are crucial for any aspiring businessperson.
“Currently, I primarily farm for consumption purposes, but also utilise the rabbit droppings as fertiliser for crops and gardening initiatives at the university. This sustainable approach not only maximises the utility of the resources I have, but also contributes to environmental conservation efforts,” the young farmer said. Her innovative use of rabbit droppings as fertiliser is a practical example of how small-scale farmers can adopt eco-friendly practices to enhance productivity.
“The awards focus on empowering women in agriculture, emphasising the transition from subsistence to commercial farming,” said MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe, highlighting the significance of supporting emerging female farmers.
Gebuza said this support is vital in a sector where women often face numerous challenges, including limited access to land, credit, and markets. By recognising and rewarding the efforts of women, the awards play a crucial role in encouraging more women to venture into agriculture.
Gebuza said she hopes her story will “serve as a testament to the impact of innovative thinking and determination, inspire a new generation of young entrepreneurs to pursue their passions and make a meaningful difference in their communities.”
As more young people like Gebuza enter the agricultural sector, they bring fresh perspectives and new ideas that can transform traditional farming practices.
“This infusion of youthful energy and creativity is essential for the future of agriculture, particularly in addressing global challenges, such as food security and climate change,” Gebuza concluded.
