Kelebogile Thabang Mosime is a second-generation farmer and the proud founder of Thabang Farms in Rustenburg. From humble beginnings and a childhood inspired by a community vegetable garden, Mosime has grown her horticulture business into a thriving operation over 5ha.
By Maphuti Mongatane, Business Development Manager at African Farming
For Kelebogile Thabang Mosime, affectionately known as Lebo, the seeds of her farming journey were planted in childhood. Growing up near a Coca-Cola facility that had a vegetable garden and livestock, and also sold water to the community, she developed a deep love for horticulture. “That’s where my love for vegetables started,” she recalls. “We grew up surrounded by agricultural activities, and it shaped who I am today.”
A Village of Support
Her farming business, Thabake Farms, has expanded at a pace she still finds unbelievable. What makes her journey remarkable, however, is her acknowledgement that she didn’t walk it alone. “I don’t think I would have done it on my own,” she admits.
Early on, she reached out for help, and organisations such as ABSA Enterprise Development, the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI), AfriForum, Royal Bafokeng Enterprise Development (RBED) and the Royal Bafokeng Administration stepped in to support her growth. They ensured she had resources such as water, irrigation and fencing, as well as expert mentorship.
“They made sure I had the basics I needed. Because of that, I could grow so quickly. Help was just a phone call or a visit away,” says Mosime. She also treasures the unwavering support of friends and mentors who stood by her when she had little to lean on. Technical mentors such as Freddy Ndindana and Dineo Modika invested time and energy in guiding her farm, and long-time friends provided emotional and intellectual support. “It truly takes a village to raise a farmer,” she says, “and I stand here today because a village raised me.”
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Growing Towards Commercial Success
Today, Mosime is expanding her horticulture business to five hectares, a milestone she never imagined possible when she began in 2023. She supplies several markets, including Freshlinq in Rustenburg, Tshwane Market, Joburg Market and other outlets. Her ambition is to reduce Rustenburg’s reliance on imported produce and to become a key supplier for local businesses, retailers and even Sun City. “I believe we can feed our communities from our own soil,” she says with conviction.
Women Connect 2025
At the Women Connect 2025 event hosted by the Nwanuku Foundation at the Manhattan Hotel in Pretoria on 23 August, Mosime delivered a powerful speech that echoed her lived realities as a farmer. She spoke passionately about the climate shocks that continue to undermine farmers’ efforts, from scorching heatwaves to flooding rains that wipe out crops in a matter of days. “One season it’s the sun that burns everything, the next it’s the floods that drown the fields. These are not small challenges, they are the difference between survival and collapse for many farmers.”
Climate Shocks And Resilience
Despite these hardships, her tone was hopeful and forward-looking. She stressed the need for investment in sustainable systems, such as solar-powered irrigation and other modern technology, to stabilise production and unlock growth.
“We cannot only think about today’s harvest. If we want long-term sustainability, we must also think about compliance, certification and accessing new markets.”
Financing The Future Of Farming
She also addressed the financial barriers that prevent farmers from scaling. Without consistent harvests, many are unable to repay loans, hire skilled professionals or secure the compliance certifications required by retailers. She called for closer collaboration between farmers, financial institutions and government, urging stakeholders to create a more enabling environment for growth.
Her message was clear: while farmers continue to show resilience, their future depends on collective action, smart investment and supportive policies. With these in place, she argued, agriculture could shift from cycles of survival to a foundation of opportunity, sustainability and food security.
A Legacy For Generations
Beyond production, Mosime is committed to transforming agriculture into a generational legacy. She envisions her children taking over Thabake Farms one day, building on the foundation she has laid. She is already mentoring young learners through exposure visits and training opportunities at her farm, ensuring they experience the full spectrum of crops, quality standards and the business side of agriculture. “I don’t want to grow alone,” she insists. “As a collective, we can make a difference.”
A Collective Vision For Change
Her story is more than a personal journey, it is a testimony of resilience, community and vision. From a little girl inspired by a vegetable garden to a woman building generational wealth through farming, Kelebogile Thabang Mosime of Thabake Farms embodies the spirit of South Africa’s new era of farmers: determined, rooted in community and unshaken in the face of challenges. And through the partnership of institutions such as ABSA Enterprise Development, SAAI, AfriForum, RBED and the Royal Bafokeng Administration, her growth is proof that when farmers are supported, communities thrive.
