Phindile Gogo Ndlovu is a passionate and hardworking backyard farmer from the Tsakane informal settlement near Bela-Bela. Her journey into farming began back in 2011, when she first started growing crops in her backyard. At the time, Phindile was filled with hope and excitement, eager to cultivate her own food and perhaps turn it into a business. However, her early experiences were not as successful as she had hoped. Lacking the right knowledge and skills, her farming efforts often fell short. She faced numerous challenges, including poor crop yields and the uncertainty of not knowing where to turn for guidance.
Despite these setbacks, Phindile never gave up on her dream of becoming a successful farmer. In August 2023, her determination paid off when she joined the SEF 2.0 programme offered by Seriti. This was the turning point that would change her farming future. Through the programme, Phindile gained access to valuable resources and knowledge that transformed her understanding of farming. She learned about irrigation scheduling, which helped her manage water use more effectively; compost making, which allowed her to create nutrient-rich soil for her plants; and using animal manure as fertilizer, which enhanced the growth of her crops. Additionally, she was taught about plant spacing, an essential practice for ensuring that each plant has enough room to grow and thrive.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, Phindile returned to her backyard with a renewed sense of confidence. She applied the techniques she had learned, and the results were immediately evident. Her vegetables—spinach, beetroot, onions, and a variety of other crops—began to flourish. With her hard work and the right tools, she started earning a steady income of around R500 per month from selling her produce in the local market. This success has not only brought Phindile financial stability but has also given her a sense of pride and accomplishment.
But Phindile’s journey doesn’t stop here. As successful as she is now, she has big dreams for the future. She envisions expanding her farming operation to a larger piece of land where she can plant a greater variety of crops and produce at a larger scale. Phindile hopes to eventually supply formal markets, reaching a broader customer base and growing her business even further. Her ambition is to create a sustainable farming enterprise that not only provides for her family but also contributes to the local economy and food security in her community.
Her success shows that with the right skills and a lot of hard work, it is possible to overcome the obstacles that may stand in the way of achieving one’s goals. As she looks ahead to the future, there is no doubt that Phindile is well on her way to achieving her dreams and becoming an inspiration to other aspiring farmers in her community.
