When Amahle Rilityana 
started her business in June 2022, she had no large production facility, no big team and no funding. What she did have were 100 broiler chickens, two bags of maize, lessons from her grandmother and a dream.
Today, Mahle Agric Enterprise, based in the Eastern Cape, produces broiler chickens, iNkoduso yesiXhosa malt and iNtselo kaNtu traditional beer. The business has grown into a six-hectare operation that supports seven workers and buys maize from local farmers.
"I started with almost nothing, a few chickens, a small batch of ingqolowa (wheat) to test, and a big dream," she said.
Raised by her grandmother, Rilityana learnt how to work with chickens, maize and traditional food practices from an early age. The idea for Mahle Agric Enterprise took shape in a science classroom. Rilityana recalls learning about germination and watching maize grains sprout during an experiment.
"Since that day, I knew I wanted to combine my grandmother's wisdom with the science I was learning in school. That is how Mathe Agric Enterprise was born," she said.
Her iNkoduso yesiXhosa traditional malt is produced using methods passed down through generations. She believes the product appeals to people living in towns and cities who still want authentic traditional products for ceremonies and cultural events.
"People who have moved away from home miss the taste of home," she said.
Support from the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) helped the business gain visibility through marketing support, product testing and participation in exhibitions.
Turning obstacles into opportunities
Like many entrepreneurs, Rilityana has faced challenges. Rising chicken feed costs and water shortages have affected both poultry and malt production.
To keep the business running, she harvests rainwater, stores water when available and plans production around supply constraints.
"This challenge taught me to be resourceful and value every drop of water," she said.
Rilityana hopes to grow Mahle Agric Enterprise into a trusted supplier of traditional Xhosa products in the Eastern Cape and beyond. Her five-year vision includes a modern production facility, expanded broiler houses and more jobs for local people. In the long term, she hopes to employ more than 200 people.
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