‘All I wanted to do was contribute to the sector, create jobs and alleviate poverty’.
When Cecilia Mamabolo left teaching to pursue a career in farming 31 years ago, she had no idea that she would become such a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Her most recent achievement, that of being named Female Entrepreneur of the Year in the Commercial Sector as well as being named Female Entrepreneur of the Year during the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s like named awards ceremony, must have come as no surprise to those who know her.
She bagged R375 000 in prize money plus two certificates and now also stands a chance of winning the national title and a whopping R500 000 at the National Female Entrepreneur of the Year Awards set to take place today (Thursday) at Protea Hotel Ranch Resort.
Despite facing stiff competition from other finalists, Mamabolo is adamant she can win the national title. “It is possible, because the awards I won at the provincial event were my first major awards and I believe the same can be repeated at the national event. I am confidently because when I started farming I did not think of winning anything. All I wanted to do was to contribute to the sector, create jobs and alleviate poverty,” Mamabolo said
Through her Mankabidi Farming Project in Dalmada, Mamabolo has created 20 permanent and 300 seasonal job opportunities and also teaches 28 local farmers on peppadew production and marketing.
“That is my pride and joy. When I left teaching, I wanted to make a difference in farming because it is my passion. I have taught so many farmers on how to grow peppadew and many have their own small farms. I am happy to have added value in their lives and I still want to help more,” she stressed.
She dedicated the two provincial awards to her children and members of the Mamabolo community whom she said supported her cause. “My family has been supportive throughout the years and I don’t think I would have achieved all this if it was not for them. The community helped me a lot because most of my employees are from neighbouring communities and they buy goods from my farm,” Mamabolo said.
She produces cabbages, butternut and peppadews which she sells to Nkatimo General Trading and Mufama Investment Trading, her main clients, as well as neighbouring communities.
She recently acquired land in the Blouberg municipal area which she has designated for cultivating peppadews.
Story and photo: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert@mailbox.co.za
Featured photo: Cecilia Mamabolo hopes to be named National Female Entrepreneur of the Year today (Thursday) when the Department of Agriculture hosts its annual Female Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
