When 
Nokuthula Myeko-Mafikwana gathered unemployed neighbours to embark on a farming journey on her family’s plot in Sigubudwini, outside Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, she was searching for a way to survive.
More than 10 years later, the 40-year-old runs Tyhopo Trading Enterprise, a growing farming business that creates jobs, strengthens food security, challenges the belief that commercial maize production is work for men and gives rural women hope for the future.
“We started in 2015. I gathered people in my area who, like me, were unemployed, and we started a food garden on an unused family plot. I was the chairperson of the group,” Mafikwana said in an interview.
The group initially grew cabbage, but persistent water shortages forced a change in direction.
“That is when we decided to grow yellow maize,” she recalled.
By 2021, the cooperative had grown to 85 members.
Mafikwana then decided to establish her own business. Tyhopo Trading Enterprise was formally registered in 2024.
Today, the business cultivates 48 hectares of maize and soybeans. The business employs seven permanent workers and creates about 30 seasonal jobs during harvest time.
Before farming, Mafikwana was a housewife. She got married shortly after leaving school and was unable to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.
“I did not further my studies, so I had to think of ways to earn a living. Village life is difficult and other opportunities seemed out of reach. Agriculture appeared to be the best avenue,” she said.
Her determination attracted support from across the board. First was the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency, which provided her with access to a 10-hectare farm in 2022. The following year, the land under production increased to 38 hectares.
“They were impressed by my work ethic, my willingness to work and the way I assisted other people,” she said.
Mafikwana also approached Ukhanyo Farmer Development, which supports more than 2 000 farmers across five Eastern Cape districts.
“They helped me with training and development support. Their assistance made me realise that my dream was reachable and sustainable, especially as a woman. In my community, growing maize is largely seen as work reserved for men,” said the mother of four.
Through the organisation’s partnership with John Deere, she received a tractor, reducing the costly need to hire machinery. In 2023, during Women’s Month, she also received a tractor and a three-row auto plough from the national Department of Agriculture after being recognised for her yields.
Blended finance
A further boost came when the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) approved R350 000 in blended finance, enabling Mafikwana to build a green dam and purchase a cultivator.“The funding helped protect my maize while I arranged transport and other logistics. The cultivator also makes our processes more efficient,” she said.
Mafikwana 
has secured access to about 400 hectares through agreements with local families, although she is not yet farming all the land. Some households charge annual rent, while others accept longer-term payments or livestock.
Tyhopo sells to Border Seed Distributors, Kokstad Milling, wholesalers and residents.
“Farming has drastically improved my life. I can support my family and enrol my children at schools of my choice,” she said. “I always wanted to be self-employed. Today, I have employees who rely on this business to make a living.”
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