BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE- From dirtying her hands with soil to instantly dressing to kill!
This is Mcebo Simelane’s story, a known fashion sensation from Hlatikhulu who recently ventured into farming. Simelane has been breaking the internet for owning her new earned skill and making a living out of it.
Not only does she post her farming daily activities, she also encourages other youth to venture in to the sector, to mitigate unemployment issues.
The Cefups Academy alumnus posts her pictures while in the fields or her produce. She has already started selling her produce which includes lettuce and spinach.
This reporter had the opportunity to engage with Simelane, who gladly opened up about her newly-found career.
She said her interest in farming started when her curiosity on growing her own food was fuelled, sometime last year.
“I still believe that it is critical that we at least know how to grow our own food and it is a skill that we are losing as a country. My mother used to have a backyard garden and that is what actually gave me a head start,” said Simelane.
When asked what she has learnt since she started ‘digging’ her hand into soil, the fashion fundi said she learnt the value of commitment, the importance of soil testing and improving soil and to listen more and talk less.
“Also, I have learnt to always look for ways to improve and engage with other people, especially those that are more experienced in the field than me.
“I have also learnt to deal with disappointments with some produce and lastly, to network with farmers who have been in the business and bounce off ideas with them,” she said.
When asked about challenges she was facing since she started farming professionally, she said the greatest one she faced and was still working on was breaking into the market.
“However, I have not slept on this challenge because I have spotted the solution- which is simply asking assistance from other farmers, especially those that have been in the game/industry for long. I now also do my research on what is trending in the markets and the best times to grow it.”
She also said her other challenge was finding the efficient irrigation system that would suite the crops that are being grown at the time.
Simelane said despite her challenges, she was not in despair as she had achievable goals that she was keeping her eye on.
“My aim is to produce and market quality produce and develop into a commercial farmer. One day venture into livestock farming too,” she said.
Woman Farmer Foundation Founder and Director Sonia Paiva said she was elated that the young woman ventured into farming and agribusiness had a lot of financial benefits.
“Being an agripreneur is interesting- however, new farmers should get trainings so they do not make mistakes that the elders did.
“The young women venturing into farming should also keep records so they can keep track of the finances,” said Paiva.
She went on to say ladies can still be beautiful, fashionable and do farming.
“There is what is called value of chain- meaning most foods that are consumed are from the ground. This simply means that agriculture is the best career one chooses,” she said.
She said young women who wished to be advised on farming could contact her on +268 7602 1551.
