Ayanda Zulu proves that hard work, determination breeds success

When South African Ayanda Zulu could not find a job, she started her business Wenzokuhle Holdings in order to pursue a business venture in farming.

Based in KwaNongoma in the Zululand district, Zulu started by growing beans and later ventured into livestock farming.

She expanded her business to include livestock farming in 2022 after moving to eShowe.

Wenzokuhle Holdings commenced its operations in 2013 but was formerly registered in 2019, specialising in crop and animal production.

Despite the odds which included the recent floods that ravaged most parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Zulu did not despair but continued to pursue farming, thanks to government’s support.

“During the floods, it was not easy to continue farming. Floods really affected my operations, it was really bad. Climate change is a big threat to livestock farming. But I wouldn’t change it for the world,” she said.

She received funding from the Department of Small Business Development’s (DSBD) Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) to buy farming equipment.

This was after she lost some of her farming equipment and livestock due to the floods.

During a recent visit to her farm, Kwa-Vuma Farm in Eshowe, Zulu said if she had not received assistance from government, her business would have suffered.

In 2022, Zulu successfully applied for Seda’s Flood Relief Scheme and she received an amount of just over R900 000 for equipment, machinery and livestock.

“Currently I have 165 goats and about 200 cattle. I hope to see the farm grow and have more cattle,” adding that she breeds the livestock for sale and also plants maize and beans.

Zulu has 10 permanent employees and the number increases during harvest and sowing period. She would like to see her farm growing and employing more people.

TVET students internships at the farm.

Nelisa Nhleka, a student at Majuba College, is doing her internship at Wenzokuhle Holdings. She said she enjoys working at the farm.

“Since I came here, I have learnt a lot about cattle and farming in general,” she said.

An employee at the farm, Dudu Ncanana, said she enjoys her work as she has learnt a lot about farming.

Ncanana encouraged other young people to consider pursuing a career in farming.

“It is important for young people to consider a career in farming so they can create job opportunities for other young people. I have learnt a lot about livestock. I love farming” she commented.

Wenzokuhle Holdings (PTY) Ltd is amongst the businesses that were funded through the Flood Relief Fund and has since emerged out of the woods and shown some resilience, anchored by the support from the DSBD and its agencies including Small Enterprise Finance Agency and Seda.