KABOKWENI – Lerato Sithole (29), a local agri-tourism entrepreneur has fulfilled her life-long dream of becoming a livestock farmer.
It’s thanks to her grandmother, who taught her the value of working with nature, not against it from a young age.
Speaking to Mpumalanga Mirror, Sithole credits her grandmother’s teachings as the foundation for her achievements. Today, she is the founder of “Lati Moya Farm,” a pioneering agricultural business that focuses on natural grazing patterns, rotational livestock systems, and minimal chemical use.
The thriving entrepreneur further highlights that her agri-business model is centered on working with nature to improve soil health, preserve biodiversity, and reduce the farm’s carbon footprint.
Her connection to the land has always been strong. After studying Agricultural Management and later pursuing short courses in Tourism and Environmental Sustainability, she set out to create a space where agriculture and tourism could converge to educate, inspire and uplift people in her community.
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Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, she states, “My grandmother, who farmed with heart and instinct long before it was considered a business, taught me to respect the land and work with it, not against it.
“The wisdom she imparted led me to establish Lati Moya Farm, which was born out of a desire to redefine what farming can look like – something sustainable, educational, and deeply rooted in culture. I wanted to create a space that offered more than just agricultural products, but an experience and a story.”
Although her journey hasn’t been without its challenges, Sithole notes that as a young black woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, she has faced skepticism and struggled to access funding for her business. Yet, her determination and resilience have seen her through, and she’s now a beacon of hope for women in the agri-business.
“Gaining respect and credibility was difficult,” she recalls. “There were times I had to prove my knowledge more than my male counterparts. But I overcame this by staying consistent, building networks with other women in agri-business, and letting the quality of my work speak for itself.”
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One of her proudest moments is mentoring a group of young women from her community who have gone on to start their own backyard farming projects. “Seeing them thrive and knowing that I’ve played a part in their journey is incredibly fulfilling,” she says.
With her passion, dedication and commitment to sustainability, the thriving entrepreneur is inspiring a new generation of farmers and entrepreneurs to follow in her footsteps.
“Agriculture isn’t just about farming, it’s about feeding futures, creating connections and building legacies. Start where you are, use what you have, and never underestimate the power of your story,” concludes Sithole.
