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After losing her job as a sales representative during the COVID-19 lockdown, Collien Khawula, from Malangeni in KwaZulu-Natal, rekindled her passion for farming. Despite various obstacles, she has transformed adversity into opportunity by establishing Tumies Enterprise, a diversified farm specializing in poultry, vegetables, and a nursery.
Overcoming Challenges:
Starting in 2020, Khawula ventured into farming on a small scale due to limited capital. With access to a bit of land and seeds, she began cultivating a variety of crops, including onions, carrots, cabbage, spinach, lettuce, green peppers, and beetroot. Yet, the journey was not easy, as she faced challenges such as self-doubt, financial constraints, and significant water shortages.
“We need a lot of water to farm, but we are struggling. It doesn’t help that we don’t have water tankers or pumps,” she explained.
Support and Growth:
Khawula credits the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for providing ongoing support, including technical training, ploughing equipment, fencing, seeds, and fertilizers. Her efforts were further recognized in early 2024 when she secured R50,000 in a pitching competition by Raiz Corp and Illovo Sugar. The funds helped her acquire essential office equipment to improve the business’s operations.
Future Aspirations:
Tumies Enterprise, which currently employs four people, supplies its produce to local markets and restaurants. However, growth is limited due to a lack of space and transportation. While Khawula owns two four-hectare farms in rural areas, their distance from the central business district makes them impractical for her business needs.
“My wish is to move to a bigger farm in one space,” she shared. “I don’t have land of my own close to the CBD, so I rely on the generosity of people to offer me parcels of land for farming.”
Khawula plans to apply for government support to expand her enterprise, demonstrating resilience and determination to overcome her circumstances and grow her agricultural venture.
