Agrigreat Soiltech and Envirocare, founded by the ambitious Buyiswa Twala (23) from Alexandra, is dedicated to transforming local food systems and reversing soil degradation through innovative waste conversion techniques.
Established in 2021, the company aims to alleviate food insecurity in Africa by promoting organic fertilizers derived from local bio-waste, ultimately fostering greater access to nutritious food for communities.
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Twala embarked on this journey after witnessing the struggles in an informal settlement in Tembisa, where hunger was pervasive despite the land’s potential for agriculture.
Following a failed attempt at creating a community farm for 200 families due to the severe degradation of local soil, Twala’s scientific background led her to a remarkable discovery; by harnessing the nutrient composition of nearby bio-waste, she could restore the damaged earth.
“Our ecosystem has suffered greatly and I realised that solving the hunger crisis in our communities requires addressing soil health. Agrigreat is not just about farming, it’s about redefining the agricultural landscape in Africa sustainably,” Twala said.
Despite her initial aspirations, Twala faced financial challenges that led her to drop out of the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2022 while studying Life and Environmental Science.
Instead of allowing this setback to derail her ambitions, she decided to fully focus on her business and its potential impact on the community.
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Agrigreat’s innovative approach involves collecting organic waste from small businesses, including butcheries and street vendors, through its ‘Agri-bins’ system.
“This waste is then transported to the Waste Conversion Centre, where it is transformed into sustainable, organic fertilizers and compost.
“This process not only diverts waste from landfills, reducing carbon emissions, but also provides an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers that degrade soil quality over time,” Twala said.
Twala said her vision is to make organic food accessible to everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background. “We can’t build a healthier future if we rely on synthetic fertilizers and genetically modified organisms,” she added.
The initiative was recognised as the Nedbank Green Super Hero of the Year and Twala was celebrated among the top 100 young minds in South Africa.
Twala’s accolades continue this year with her nomination for Agripreneur of the Year, as recognition for her efforts grows both locally and internationally.
“Researchers from an American University have even visited the Waste Conversion Centre to study its sustainability,” Twala said.
In addition to her work with Agrigreat, Twala is also driven by a desire to foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers among the youth of Alexandra.
She is currently working on launching the Agrigreat STEM Club, an initiative to introduce young people to various opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“I want to inspire the next generation to think creatively and see the possibilities that come from science and innovation. Together, we can build a future where our communities thrive, not just survive,” Twala concluded.
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