Accidental farmer: How Lydia Nkhoke's family crisis led to agricultural success



What began as a family crisis has become a life-altering journey for Lydia Nkhoke from Ladybrand, Free State. After spending over two decades behind a desk at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), she found herself committed to the farming fields when her mother broke her leg in February 2016.

Nkhoke, who had worked as an administration clerk at SASSA from 1992 until her resignation in 2015, stepped in to help with the family-run Mantsopa Mothers Agricultural Cooperative after her mother’s injury. The cooperative, started by her mother and siblings, needed an extra hand, and that hand turned out to be Lydia’s.

“I did not like agriculture at all, but when my mother broke her leg, I found myself having to assist. I have fallen in love with agriculture ever since. There is something about it that is just fulfilling. Once you touch the soil, there is no going back,” Nkhoke said.

Since joining the cooperative, Nkhoke has not only embraced farming but also become one of its key drivers. The enterprise supplies fresh vegetables to local households, nearby schools, and the Spar supermarket in Ladybrand.

“Her products are nice and fresh and definitely value for money,” said Pieter Maartens, Ladybrand Spar Manager.

The cooperative also contributes to the local school feeding programme. Several schools in Ladybrand –including Hermana Primary, St. Benedict Primary, and Nereng High School source their vegetables from Nkhoke’s farm.

“She is obviously hard-working and dedicated to her work, and as a department, we are pleased that we can support her business. This will go a long way in poverty alleviation because several people work at the cooperative,” said departmental spokesperson Howard Ndaba, who also added that the department is proud that a number of our schools are working with Mme Nkhoke. Schools such as Hermana and St. Benedict Primary, as well as Nereng High School, buy their vegetables from her.

Lydia Nkhoke

The cooperative is doing quite well. It is managed by Nkhoke. “It’s a family affair,” she said with a smile. However, it also employs five people and offers opportunities to undergraduate students.

Their dedication has earned them accolades over the years. “In the year 1999, we won a provincial agricultural award and went to the Ivory Coast to observe their way of agriculture. It was interesting because they have their crops even by the side of the road. It was a demonstration of how much they value agriculture, and that is what I wish for our people. Agriculture is important, and my wish is that young people could venture into it,” said Nkhoke. This has also given them a chance to travel to other African countries.

Although the cooperative has received some support from the Free State Provincial Government, including agricultural tunnels and a bakkie. Nkhoke says she hopes for further growth.

“It is my wish to see this business grow. I am thankful for the (agricultural) tunnels and a bakkie that we have received from the Free State Provincial Government, but I would still like to see us grow and employ more people. That would make me happy,” she said.

Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae praised Nkhoke’s efforts and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting emerging farmers.

“This government has committed to supporting people like Mme Nkhoke. They have the knowledge and passion for agriculture, and we are going to ensure that they are empowered, but importantly, that they grow,” said the Premier.

What started as a temporary response to her mother’s injury has evolved into a purpose-driven venture for Lydia Nkhoke, one that feeds her community, creates jobs, and showcases the power of agriculture to change lives.

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