Tarentaalrand, Limpopo, A remarkable story of transformation and resilience has emerged from the heart of Limpopo, where 44-year-old Kuhlula Ndhima has become a beacon of inspiration for women pursuing their dreams. After dedicating years to a legal career, Ndhima took a bold leap, utilizing her retirement savings to establish a thriving farming business.
In a recent keynote address for Women’s Day at Nkowankowa Stadium near Tzaneen, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted Ndhima’s journey as a testament to empowerment and innovation. Six years ago, Ndhima made the life-changing decision to leave her job as a lawyer and embrace agriculture, integrating poultry production with vegetable and mango farming.
“I bought the farm in 2019 and began farming in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ndhima explained. “Initially, I hadn’t planned to become a farmer, but I fell in love with it and have continued ever since. The funds I used came from my retirement savings. I chose to retire as a lawyer at age 40 and invested everything I had into this venture. It has been a costly endeavor, and I am entirely self-funded.”
The impact of Ndhima’s initiative extends beyond her personal journey; it has profoundly transformed the lives of her employees. One worker shared, “Working here on the farm has opened my eyes and mind to the world of agriculture. I’ve discovered my strengths and weaknesses and learned the importance of collaboration. Starting with just one chicken coop, we have significantly expanded. This experience has shown me that, as a team, we can achieve anything.”
Ndhima’s story serves as a powerful reminder that pursuing one’s passion can lead to unexpected fulfillment and communal growth. As she continues to cultivate her farm, she encourages other women to chase their ambitions and harness their potential for a better future.
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