This Women’s Month, Seriti Institute is proud to shine a light on the remarkable journey of the Bogolo bja Basadi Primary Cooperative, a women-led farming enterprise in Ga-Madiba, Mokopane. Their story is one of vision, resilience, and unity, a testament to what happens when women are empowered to lead in agriculture.
Comprised of five determined women, the cooperative began its journey through the Social Employment Fund (SEF) and later the CITI Foundation programme, both implemented by Seriti Institute. With just stipends, seedlings, and basic tools, they took the courageous step of pooling their resources, purchasing land, and establishing the cooperative that today inspires many.
The name “Bogolo bja Basadi”, meaning “the greatness of women”, captures their spirit perfectly. These women embody greatness not only by feeding their families but by building sustainable livelihoods and uplifting their community.
As one of the founding members shares: “We began with almost nothing, just stipends and seeds. But through unity and determination, we created something far greater, not just for ourselves, but for our community too,” says Lebogang Khalo.
With training, mentorship, and production support through the CITI Foundation programme, and essential farming tools, seedlings, PPE, and an irrigation system, the cooperative expanded their operations to one hectare of thriving spinach, beetroot, and cabbage.
Their biggest milestone came when they secured a formal supply agreement with Roots Foods, proving their ability to meet commercial quality and supply chain standards.
For Bogolo bja Basadi, farming is more than planting seeds, it is planting hope. It is about dignity, empowerment, and pioneering change for women in agriculture. With no major challenges reported to date, their discipline, teamwork, and unity have become their strength.
“Our dream is to grow into bigger markets while continuing to serve our community. But what matters just as much is seeing more women step into agriculture, because women carry the power to nurture, to provide, and to transform. When women farm, they don’t just grow crops; they grow hope for everyone around them,” the members share with pride.
This Women’s Month, we celebrate Bogolo bja Basadi as more than a cooperative. They are pioneers, proving that when women farmers are supported, they do not just grow crops, they grow futures, they grow communities, and they grow hope for South Africa.
