By Maile Matsimela
Now in its fourth year in South Africa, the Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot continues to highlight the power and potential of women who are redefining the business world.
Dr Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agriculturalist and the founder and CEO of Hazile Group, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award. As a pioneering force in climate-smart agriculture and women’s empowerment in South Africa, Dr Msomi leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise focused on sustainable solutions in agriculture, energy and water management.
Her innovative approach to addressing systemic barriers in agriculture while empowering underserved communities, particularly women and youth, caught the attention of the Bold Woman Award jury.
African Farming interviewed Dr Msomi to discuss her journey, vision and the transformative work she’s doing in the South African agriculture.
Q: Tell us about your journey into agriculture. What inspired you to focus on climate-smart agricultural solutions?
A: My journey into agriculture began through lived experience – witnessing food insecurity up close and recognising how women in my community were often excluded from owning or controlling the means of production. I saw clearly that meaningful food security, especially for women and youth, required rethinking how we grow. That’s what drew me to climate-smart agriculture. It provides a way to farm sustainably using less water, less land and fewer chemicals. At Hazile Group, sustainability is at the core of everything we do, from hydroponic cultivation to solar-powered farming solutions. We’re not just growing food – we’re building resilient, regenerative systems for the future.
Q: What are Hazile Group’s core agricultural initiatives and how do they address food insecurity in South Africa?
A: Hazile Group focuses on climate-smart farming, hydroponic crop production, and food processing. We grow and dry herbs, tomatoes and are about to pilot strawberries using water-efficient systems, and we’re expanding into functional foods and herbal teas. Our Eco-Farm Pod innovation (currently in its pilot phase) is a modular, solar-powered unit made from recycled materials and recycled/harvested rain water – it brings food production closer to underserved communities. These initiatives tackle food insecurity by promoting localised, sustainable food systems while also creating income opportunities, especially for women and youth.
Q: What climate-smart technologies has Hazile Group introduced to South African farmers, and what results have you seen?
A: We’ve implemented hydroponic systems on our own farm and supported women and youth in our community with DIY drip irrigation using recycled plastic bottles. These grassroots setups typically reduce water use by 30-50%, delivering steady yields in small farms and urban gardens. On our main site, more advanced hydroponics and solar-powered irrigation cut water use by up to 90%, enabling reliable, high-density herb production. We’re also piloting our Eco‑Farm Pod – a modular, solar-powered unit built from recycled materials, aimed at off-grid food production. Early feedback shows it’s well-suited for deployment in community gardens and informal settlements. These combined innovations help farmers – especially women and youth – to farm sustainably, breaking down barriers to participation and improving food resilience.
Q: Your work emphasises empowering farmers. What specific programmes have you implemented to support small-scale and emerging farmers?
A: We’ve developed training programmes focused on climate-smart agriculture, teaching women and youth how to set up and manage community gardens and DIY drip irrigation systems using recycled materials. Through Basadi Bakopane, our nonprofit arm, we run workshops on sustainable farming, business skills and digital literacy to help small-scale farmers grow profitable, resilient operations. We also provide mentorship and access to markets, ensuring farmers can scale and sustain their enterprises beyond subsistence.
Q: What unique challenges do women face in South African agriculture and how does Hazile Group address these?
A: Women farmers in South Africa often face systemic barriers – from lack of land ownership and limited access to financing, to exclusion from decision-making and insufficient support networks. My doctoral research showed that while technology is a powerful enabler, it alone isn’t enough; women need contextualised training, mentorship and community support to effectively adopt and benefit from innovations. Hazile Group combines technology with holistic empowerment: We provide climate-smart tools but also create spaces where women gain confidence, leadership skills and market access. Our approach prioritises building women’s agency – helping them move from informal labourers to entrepreneurial leaders who can sustainably manage their farms and influence local food systems.
Q: What innovations in water management for agriculture has Hazile Group pioneered?
A: Hazile Group has pioneered accessible, low-cost water management innovations tailored for small-scale and urban farmers. This includes DIY drip irrigation systems made from recycled plastic bottles, which help reduce water use by up to 50% in community projects. On our farms, we use advanced hydroponic systems that cut water consumption by nearly 90% compared to traditional methods. We’re also integrating solar-powered water pumps to increase irrigation efficiency and reduce reliance on grid electricity. These innovations ensure water is used smartly and sustainably, helping farmers increase yields while conserving scarce resources.
Q: How do you integrate renewable energy solutions into farming operations?
A: We incorporate renewable energy primarily through solar-powered irrigation systems that reduce dependence on unreliable grid electricity and lower operational costs. Our Eco-Farm Pod prototype integrates solar panels to power lighting, water pumps and climate controls, making it suitable for off-grid or low-resource environments. This approach not only cuts carbon emissions but also makes farming more accessible and affordable for small-scale and emerging farmers.
Q: What does being nominated for the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award mean for your work in agriculture?
A: Being nominated for the award is both an honour and a powerful platform to showcase the impact of climate-smart agriculture and women’s leadership in Africa. It highlights the importance of innovative, sustainable solutions like those Hazile Group is developing to address food security, water scarcity and energy challenges. On a personal level, this recognition fuels my commitment to breaking barriers for women entrepreneurs, especially in sectors traditionally dominated by men. It reinforces the message that with determination and bold ideas, women can lead transformative change that benefits entire communities and ecosystems. The nomination motivates me to expand our reach and deepen our impact, creating pathways for more women to thrive in agribusiness.
Q: In what ways do you see yourself embodying Madame Clicquot’s pioneering spirit in the agricultural sector?
A: Like Madame Clicquot, the “grande dame of Champagne”, I am driven by resilience, innovation and a refusal to accept the status quo. My journey – from Soweto to founding Hazile Group – has been marked by overcoming personal loss and systemic barriers to creating bold, sustainable solutions in agriculture. I pioneer climate-smart farming techniques that blend indigenous knowledge with modern technology, pushing boundaries to build regenerative food systems that empower women and communities. Much like Madame Clicquot transformed champagne, I aim to transform agriculture in Africa – leading with courage, vision and an unwavering belief in the power of women to shape the future.
Q: How do you envision transforming South African agriculture over the next decade?
A: I envision transforming South African agriculture into a climate-resilient, inclusive sector where technology and traditional knowledge work hand in hand. Over the next decade, I see more women and youth leading regenerative farming practices that prioritise water efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable livelihoods. I see South African agriculture evolving and combining innovative technologies, like hydroponics on a larger scale and solar-powered farming, with indigenous knowledge to create regenerative food systems. By improving access to resources, training and markets, agriculture will become more productive, equitable and sustainable – supporting food security while healing the land and uplifting communities.
Q: What are the most pressing challenges facing South African agriculture today?
A: South African agriculture faces multiple interconnected challenges: climate change impacts such as droughts and water scarcity are intensifying; land access and ownership inequities persist, especially for women and emerging farmers; and there are ongoing issues with access to affordable, appropriate technology that can increase productivity sustainably. Additionally, market access barriers and limited support for small-scale farmers constrain growth and inclusion. Addressing these requires systemic change – integrating innovation, policy reform and community empowerment to build a resilient and equitable food system.
Q: What advice would you give young women considering careers in agriculture or agribusiness?
A: My advice is to start with confidence and purpose – know that your voice and leadership are needed in agriculture. Don’t be afraid to learn, experiment and seek support. Build your skills continuously, especially in technology and business management, because these will be gamechangers. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who uplift you, and remember that challenges are part of the journey, not the end. Most importantly, stay committed to sustainable and inclusive practices – your work has the power to transform communities and ecosystems for generations.
