When the Social Employment Fund (SEF) Phase 3 programme wrapped up in April 2025, it marked not an end, but a powerful new beginning for a group of six determined women farmers. All former participants of the programme, these women refused to let their journey stop there. Instead, they harnessed their skills, passion, and drive to launch Isiqalo Organic Farm, a name that means “the beginning” in isiZulu, perfectly capturing their fresh start as entrepreneurs.
Together, they’ve truly embodied the meaning of “Work, Learn, Grow”, demonstrating exactly what it looks like to carry forward the skills, knowledge, and determination gained through the programme.
Implemented by Seriti Institute, SEF Phase 3 provided these women with practical training, mentorship, and critical exposure to agroecological farming and entrepreneurship. They left with more than just knowledge, they left with a plan, a partnership, and the confidence to launch their own enterprise.
Pooling their resources, each contributing R500, they took a bold first step towards building a sustainable agribusiness. Their garden is already showing promise, with crops such as cornflower, spinach, cabbage, beetroot, and chillies now thriving.
“This is all thanks to the SEF programme and Seriti Institute. What began as a shared dream between six determined women has now become a real and growing enterprise. The support we received gave us the confidence to start. We’re deeply grateful and ready to work, learn, and grow,” says Ntombifuthi Ngcobo, Chairperson of Isiqalo Organic Farm.
Their vision is clear: to become consistent suppliers to the 1000 Hills Farmers Market and, in time, to local retail outlets. But their aspirations go beyond sales. As the sole breadwinners in their households, these women are driven not only by economic survival but by the aspiration to grow something lasting for their families and their communities.
They’re also thinking ahead, with plans to introduce a layer chicken unit, supported by one of the members who received training through the Citi Foundation and has experience in broiler production. She’s now guiding the group as they prepare to start the unit—helping them diversify and strengthen their operation.
True to their values, Isiqalo Organic Farm recently supported the Inchanga Agri-Hub by sowing 10,000 seeds for the upcoming planting season, a powerful act of giving back and standing in solidarity with fellow farmers.
