By Maphuti Mongatane
Two dynamic young women, Hlobisile Yende and Keneilwe Raphesu, have founded Agriduo, a forward-thinking agricultural initiative to nurture and empower young farmers through an innovative livestock academy.
The Agriduo Academy is more than just a training ground; it provides hope and opportunity for aspiring farmers. Hlobisile Yende and Keneilwe Raphesu both grew up on farms and wanted to give others the opportunities they had to connect with the land and livestock. They created a formal academy where young farmers could gain accredited qualifications and practical skills.
“We wanted to bridge the gap for those who dream of farming but lack the resources or access to mentorship.”
Despite being a newcomer in a competitive industry, Agriduo has already attracted major agricultural brands to partner with them, an achievement they describe as “humbling and motivating”. At the core of Agriduo’s mission is the belief that farming is a community endeavour.
The academy focuses on:
- Introducing students to real-world farming practices and industry opportunities.
- Providing knowledge that prevents costly mistakes and prepares students for success.
- Connecting young farmers with industry leaders and mentors to build valuable relationships.
“We strive to create a relatable platform where young farmers can voice their struggles and find solutions,” said Hlobisile. “Our goal is to make farming accessible and to show aspiring farmers that their dreams are within reach.”
Agriduo recognises the unique challenges young livestock farmers face, from financial barriers to the need for more mentorship. The academy provides tailored solutions, including tools like measuring tapes, which help farmers who lack access to or cannot afford livestock scales.
Keneilwe and Hlobisile want to equip farmers with “education, research, and the right mentorship to align their goals with actionable strategies.”
The dynamic duo has big dreams for Agriduo. They want to expand the academy to serve a broader audience, including young men, women, and even older farmers, in an inclusive and safe environment.
“We see ourselves as a physical institution where farmers can learn, grow, and feel empowered,” they say. “The academy has already received recognition from the South African Agricultural Awards, and we plan to build on that momentum to achieve even more.”
To achieve this vision, they emphasise the need for:
- Financial support to build infrastructure and provide learning materials.
- Investors who can help expand the academy’s reach.
- Industry partnerships to offer students hands-on experience and career opportunities.
A message to the sponsors
Keneilwe and Hlobisile say Agriduo’s success wouldn’t be possible without the support of its sponsors and partners. They are deeply grateful for the contributions that have enabled them to provide goodie bags, host transformative events, and inspire their students.
“We especially thank our sponsors for their belief in our vision. Their presence means so much to us and the farmers because they represent big brands we admire and rely on.”
- To Obaro: Thank you for keeping us hydrated with water and providing Taltec mobile kraals for our livestock demonstrations.
- To African Farming: Your website, magazine and booklet are invaluable resources for family businesses.
- To Land Bank Insurance: Your warm meals during the Masterclass, along with water bottles, caps, and torches, are essentials that every farmer appreciates.
- To RMIS: The measuring tapes you provided have been a game-changer for farmers without scale access.
- To Bonsmara SA: Thank you for the beautiful bags that added a professional touch to our goodie bags.
One of Agriduo’s priorities is helping young farmers build strong networks. By granting students access to their existing connections and encouraging them to forge their own, Hlobisile and Keneilwe are laying the groundwork for a thriving agricultural community.
Networking is crucial in farming, they say. “We focus on showing our students the importance of building relationships and accessing opportunities to grow their careers.”
Hlobisile and Keneilwe are transforming the agricultural landscape, one farmer at a time. Through their academy, they prove that farming can be a viable and rewarding career for the next generation with the proper support, mentorship, and vision. As they continue to grow, they hope that sponsors, partners, and the farming community will join them in this journey of empowerment and transformation.
