Published By Bernard Manganyi
About Nosipho:
Meet Nosipho Vuthela, a 27-year-old from Mount Fletcher, Upper Ngxasha location, who is changing the face of farming in the Eastern Cape. Her successful farming journey, a source of hope and encouragement for young farmers, started with her training at the Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute, where she specialised in animal and crop production.
After graduating, she wasted no time transforming her knowledge into action. She founded Bright Rainbow Enterprise, an agricultural enterprise specialising in poultry production, feed manufacturing and medicinal plants.
Chicken packaged for the market:
Vuthela’s journey began with a deep belief in the power of agriculture. She saw personal success and the opportunity to be part of the solution for food security, job creation, and national development. “I want to become one of the top producers of food. I can and I will, so keep an eye on me! The development of the country depends on us, and great rewards await those who work the land,” she confidently remarked.
Vuthela’s leadership extends beyond her ventures. She holds the Chairperson position for the African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) in the vegetable commodity industry within the Eastern Cape’s jurisdiction. This role involves working with the government to connect Eastern Cape farmers with markets and funding opportunities.
She recognised the power of collaboration and cofounded the Gedlumhlanga Youth Cooperative, an award-winning youth-led initiative focussed on crop and livestock production. This cooperative approach allows them to share resources and expertise, thus creating a valuable training ground for aspiring young farmers.
Vuthela’s dedication to giving back is deeply ingrained in her. The Gedlumhlanga cooperative trains high school learners, employs seasonal workers and ensures that surplus produce is donated to those in need.
Vuthela believes, “Youth does not have protocol; we have to work hard, knock on every door, and speak out because nobody will know you are hungry if you are quiet.”
Vuthela and the team’s dedication has paid off, with the cooperative supplying informal markets, supermarkets, schools, hospitals, and more across the region—their success results from sheer hard work and the invaluable assistance they have received. Vuthela remarked, “We truly appreciate leaders who listen to the voice of young stars.”
