By Maile Matsimela

In the heart of Mphanama village of Sekhukhune District in Limpopo, a remarkable farming success story is unfolding. At 29 years old, Fellistus Sekgale, founder and director of Sekgale Trading Enterprise (operating as Queen Agri), has transformed from a graduate to an agricultural entrepreneur whose vision and determination are reshaping local food systems and inspiring a new generation of farmers.

Sekgale currently runs a mixed farming business with crops, cattle, sheep and a 3 000-capacity egg production business where she also raises pullets to meet the demand for local farmers.

In her agricultural career, she has already received two major recognitions she’s particularly proud of. “The first is an international award where I was representing South Africa in the Southern and Eastern Region competition by Nestlé in 2022. I took first place, beating competitors from both regions. It was an incredible honour to not only represent my country but to bring home the top prize.”

The second major recognition came when her company received the National Mail and Guardian Greening the Future Award in 2024.

Sekgale’s journey into agriculture began when she was in grade 4 in Middleburg and a visit to a teacher’s farm ignited her passion for farming. She told African Farming as soon as the bus drove into the farm, she knew then she wanted to be a farmer.

Although she was inspired to become a farmer, she also thought she would study law and own a farm on the side. However, during grade 11, she lost interest in law and decided to fully pursue agriculture instead.

This early inspiration and a conversation with her uncle on what school would be best for her agriculture dreams led her to pursue formal training at the Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture, where she earned a National Diploma in Animal Production with distinction (cum laude). Her thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there – she went on to obtain a B-Tech in Agricultural Development and Extension from the Tshwane University of Technology.

“My educational journey equipped me with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills I knew I wanted to bring back to the community,” said Sekgale

Her professional transformation began when she was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Unemployed Graduate Programme (UGP) during the 2021/22 financial year. This flagship initiative of the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) places unemployed agricultural graduates with host farms for 24 months of structured mentorship and skills development.

During this period, Sekgale gained invaluable hands-on experience in layer production, which became the foundation for her future business. In 2018, she registered her company, Sekgale Trading Enterprise, but only started operating in 2021.

“The developmental programme at the Department of Agriculture gave me critical experience in layer production,” Sekgale recalls. “It showed me not just how to raise chickens but how to build a sustainable business.”

What sets Sekgale’s enterprise apart is her deliberate choice to establish her business in the village of Mphanama. “I chose to start my business in Sekhukhune because of my passion for developing communities,” she explains. Through her research, she discovered that people there were getting eggs from suppliers outside the district. She saw an opportunity to fill this gap while providing an affordable protein source closer to the people.

Today, Queen Agri has evolved into a multifaceted agricultural business with two distinct segments.

Sekgale Trading Enterprise provides essential agribusiness development services, helping farmers and entrepreneurs create solid foundations through detailed feasibility studies and strategic business planning. As an accredited training provider through AgriSETA, Sekgale shares her expertise in mixed farming to empower others with the knowledge needed to succeed in agriculture. Her business consultations have become particularly valuable to emerging farmers who benefit from her practical experience and technical knowledge as they navigate the challenges of establishing their own farming enterprises.

The enterprise proudly represents a new wave of agricultural businesses in South Africa – 100% youth-owned, black-owned and women-owned.

Queen Agri – Award-Winning Farmer Fellistus Sekgale — Some of the chickens being reared by Sekgale for egg production. Photo: Supplied

Recognising the potential of Sekgale’s vision and business model, the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), undertook to provide significant infrastructure support.LDARD MEC Nakedi Kekana recently visited Mphanama for an official sod-turning of the Sekgale project.

The department has made a substantial investment in infrastructure, including erecting secure fencing around the entire 20 hectares of land, significantly enhancing the property’s security and operational viability. To ensure sustainable water access, they drilled five strategic boreholes and provided crucial assistance with water rights acquisition, addressing one of the most fundamental challenges in agricultural development. The department’s investment will see construction of two specialised layer houses, each designed with a capacity to house 1 500 birds, creating the foundation for efficient, large-scale egg production.

Administrative operations will also be addressed through the construction of a dedicated office block, providing essential space for business management. Completing the infrastructure development, the department will establish comprehensive electricity and water reticulation systems throughout the property, ensuring reliable access to these vital utilities for all aspects of the farming operation.

Kekana said the project exemplifies what they aim to achieve through their youth empowerment initiatives. “Ms. Sekgale has taken the skills and opportunities provided through the Unemployed Graduate Programme and multiplied them into a business that creates jobs, improves food security, and contributes to rural economic development.”

Sekgale’s ambitions extend beyond her current operations. She aims to become one of the largest egg suppliers in the Sekhukhune District, further reducing reliance on imports from other regions while creating employment opportunities for local youth.

“My goal is to scale up our operations to meet more of the local demand for eggs while maintaining the highest standards of quality,” says Sekgale. “But beyond the business aspect, I want Queen Agri to serve as proof that young people, especially young women, can succeed in agriculture when given the right support and opportunities.”

She is also committed to knowledge-sharing and mentorship, using her experience as an accredited agricultural trainer to guide other aspiring farmers.