BY FIONA MOTSA
MBABANE– Defying all odds!
This is Phumzile Thwala, who won the title of Miss Cultural Heritage 2013/2014 has ventured into agriculture. She is currently still a model and she also won the title of Miss Personality at the Miss Heritage World in 2015 and also competed in Miss Africa in 2017.
When sought for comment on her passion in the Agriculture Industry, Thwala mentioned she left her IT job to pursue her passion in Agriculture.
“I left my job as an IT Manager to pursue my passion in Agriculture, which I had no prior experience with. I have a diploma in computer science with a focus on information systems security, as well as having studied information systems security, cyber security framework, and having worked in the field for three years.
“After graduation, I was the first employee at my former job and we were selling and managing an Eswatini fleet management system based in the UK,” said Thwala.
Thwala further mentioned that she faced a lot of difficulties but she pursued her passion regardless.
“It was difficult at first when I decided to leave my job to pursue my passion in agriculture. I was blessed to have had help from the agriculture extension officers, Youth Enterprise Fund, ESNAU, and other organizations.
“I managed to find her way and now I fully understand the sector and how all value chains play a vital role in food security. I have visited 15 countries, where I have gained agricultural experience through seminars and training.
Thwala also mentioned that she was currently an advocate for job creation, women and youth empowerment.
“I am currently the Vice Chairperson for the National Agriculture Committee. I advocate for job creation women and youth empowerment. I also work with Africa without borders, charity work, environmental preservation, preserving our culture and heritage, and compliance in all businesses,” said Thwala.
The Vice-chairperson for the National Youth Agriculture committee under the Eswatini National Agriculture Union said that they work to ensure that young people have the resources, skills, access to finance, access to market (local and international), sustainable businesses and a platform to have their voice heard in policy-making, budgets, and other issues.
“I believe that the youth are the future and that they should be given equal opportunities to lead, do business, and contribute to society.
“My Motto is ‘When God is at the centre of your life, nothing becomes impossible instead all things work together for good’,” said Thwala.
Pics sourced from Start Up Mbabane
