BY SIKHULILE DLAMINI

What began with just five goats has grown into a diversified farming venture that spans goat and cattle farming, indigenous poultry (including chickens, turkeys, guinea fowls, and even peacocks), rabbits, beekeeping, and vegetable production—from tomatoes and spinach to maize and cabbages. Beyond livestock and crops, Nokuthula Matsebula has also ventured into dog breeding, managing breeds like pit bulls, greyhounds, and Chihuahuas. Today, she is expanding her footprint into real estate development, proving that modern farming can be the launchpad for broad-based wealth creation.

Crowned Woman Farmer of the Year 2024, Nokuthula’s rise from a smallholder in Bulunga, on the outskirts of Manzini, to a full-fledged agripreneur is a powerful narrative of vision, resilience, and strategic reinvestment.

Through her farm, Nokuthula is able to support her family of three children—two girls and a boy—all of whom attend boarding school at the high school level. She is also in the process of building a modern home worth hundreds of thousands of Emalangeni, a project financed entirely through disciplined savings and profits from her agricultural ventures.

“Wealth is rooted in farming—this is not a theory; I’ve lived it,” she says.

Nokuthula’s financial strategy is simple but powerful: reinvest a large portion of profits back into the business. This has enabled her not only to scale her operations, but also to enter new income-generating spaces. She has already constructed rental flats in Madonsa township, a popular residential area in Manzini, adding yet another stream of income to her growing portfolio.

“I always tell people—don’t eat all your profits. Grow first, then enjoy. Farming has financed every milestone I’ve achieved,” she shares.

Her journey began humbly, with five traditional goats her husband owned. Without formal training and armed only with passion, she began breeding and managing the animals. Within two years, her herd had multiplied, and she had secured a market for both meat and breeding stock.

At the heart of her success is a commitment to animal health, productivity, and sustainability. Nokuthula uses raised, well-ventilated shelters, rotates grazing areas, and maintains a strict feeding and vaccination routine to ensure healthy livestock and consistent returns.

“Goats are delicate. They need care, clean water, and dry housing. If you manage them well, they’ll build your future,” she explains.

Her farm is a model of resilience through diversification. Whether it’s chickens or maize, bees or rabbits, every venture contributes to her bottom line. And now, her real estate projects are extending the reach of her vision beyond agriculture.

Nokuthula is not just a farmer—she is a community builder and mentor. She actively shares her knowledge, especially with aspiring female farmers, and uses her social media platforms to demystify agribusiness and promote entrepreneurship.

“Farming isn’t just for men. Women can feed nations and build wealth. We’re nurturers—farming comes naturally to us,” she says.

Her message to women is grounded in practicality and hope:

“Start with what you have. A chicken coop. A garden. A dream. Then build from there. You can raise children, build houses, and create wealth—all from the soil.”