FEMALE FARMER ENTERS COMMERCIAL MARKET

July 2025.

Having previously been recognised in a national programme for her role as a female emerging farmer, Hertzogville’s Maria Tswayi is now taking the next step towards entering the commercial food market. This progress is supported by an infrastructure funding initiative designed to address key barriers facing small-scale farmers. The support will help bridge the gap between subsistence and commercial farming, while also contributing to food resilience in the Tokologo region.

“Supporting high-potential rural entrepreneurs like Maria, strengthens food systems, inspires the next generation of farmers and drives job creation,” said Noluthando Mazibuko, Economic Development Specialist at Boshof Solar Power, funders of this initiative.

Maria, 51, owns and operates Scheerpan Farm, a well-structured mixed livestock farm with over 200 cattle, goats, and sheep. To accelerate her journey towards a more substantial entity, the funds will be used to restore the farm’s solar system, ensuring a reliable energy supply for water pumping, household needs, and improved connectivity, all of which are critical for livestock care, coordination, and daily operations.

“Women like Maria are widely recognised for reinvesting in their families and communities, which amplifies the developmental impact of enterprise support,” said Mazibuko. “Boshof Solar Power sees female-led farms not just as food producers but as drivers of sustainable rural transformation.”

In addition to infrastructure funding, ongoing mentorship and support will be provided until 2028 by this enterprise development programme. “As a female farmer, this support means so much to me because I’ve struggled for a long time,” said Maria Tswayi. “When help like this comes, I work very hard — not just for myself, but to make a difference in the lives of others.”

This initiative aligns with Boshof Solar Power’s broader commitment to inclusive economic development, food security, and the empowerment of women in agriculture. It is expected to deliver economic ripple effects, including increased demand for local services such as animal feed suppliers, veterinary care, fencing contractors, and transport providers, stimulating microenterprise growth in the area. In addition, Scheerpan Farm will serve as a demonstration site to inspire and guide other emerging farmers in the region.

 

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