Sphiwe Ncongwane,
A woman farmer from Lochiel, near the Oshoek Port of Entry to the Kingdom of Eswatini, is proving that women can build successful agricultural businesses with the right support and determination.
Sphiwe Ncongwane, who runs the Jikelihle Mvila Project, applied for goats through the Masibuyele Esibayeni Programme of the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) in 2023.
After patiently waiting and completing the required assessment process, Ncongwane received 11 goats in 2025. When the department recently revisited her farm, officials found that her herd had more than doubled, demonstrating the impact of the programme and her commitment to farming.
“I applied just like everyone else after I saw the advert. I followed all the rules, was assessed and had everything that was required. I was successful,” she said.
Ncongwane said she now has 25 goats and expressed her appreciation to DARDLEA for supporting her farming journey.
“After I received the goats, I now have 25 goats. I want to grow beyond where I am now. My plan is to grow the business and supply chevon meat across the country and the SADC region,” she said.
She believes her experience demonstrates the important role women can play in agriculture.
“This has also shown that women can be successful farmers, and I intend to be one,” she said.
What is Masibuyele Esibayeni?
Masibuyele Esibayeni, meaning “Let Us Return to the Kraal”, is an agricultural development programme aimed at supporting emerging farmers and restoring livestock production among rural households.
The programme provides selected beneficiaries with livestock and agricultural support to help them establish or expand farming enterprises. Beneficiaries are expected to care for the animals, increase their herds and use the livestock as a foundation for sustainable economic activity.
The programme is also intended to contribute to food security, rural development, job creation and household income while encouraging communities to return to livestock farming.
Ncongwane’s growing goat herd demonstrates how such interventions can create opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in agriculture and develop farming ventures with ambitions beyond their local communities.
