When Tintswalo Makhubele returned from Rome, she brought back more than just memories, but opportunities. Thanks to her efforts, over twenty (20) young women from Jackson Informal Settlement in Johannesburg South have received agriculture training, equipping them with the skills to grow food, build businesses and sustain their families.
Makhubele known as ‘MaSpinach’, alongside women from South African Congress of Non-Profit Organisations (SACONO), attended the Food Security Conference in Rome, where they advocated for the recognition of young women in agriculture, the right to food, and peri-urban farming policies that support small-scale farmers and businesses. SACONO, an NPO funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, led the skills development initiative upon their return.
“Through this initiative, we have trained twenty-five young women in agriculture and agribusiness. Our goal is to empower them to become entrepreneurs, take initiatives, and achieve food security for their families,” said Makhubele.
The training covered food production, soil preparation, and plant cultivation. Today, the young women proudly manage three thriving plots (growing spinach, cabbage and seedlings), a greenhouse tunnel cultivating cucumbers and leafy greens. Makhubele emphasized the importance of bringing back global knowledge to uplift local communities.
“Jackson Informal Settlement is an underdeveloped area with no schools, and most parents work on farms. We are proud to work with the Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders to empower young women and strengthen food security.” She also thanked MEC Faith Mazibuko and Premier Panyaza Lesufi for ensuring that funded NPOs receive financial support to sustain these critical projects.
One of the beneficiaries, 30-year-old Tankiso Sematla, discovered his love for farming at the age of 16 and has never looked back. “I enjoy learning about agriculture and hope to one day supply food to major retailers. Thanks to the Department for believing in us and funding this project,” said Sematla.
He added: “Not everyone will become a doctor or a lawyer, but there are many opportunities available, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Agriculture is one of them.”
With hard work, training, and support, these young women and men are not just growing food, they’re growing a future. What started as a small training initiative has planted the seeds of entrepreneurship, empowerpand economic independence in the Jackson Informal Settlement
