Doris Mokgabudi’s farming journey is proof that opportunities are created through curiosity, initiative and a willingness to learn.

By Maphuti Mongatane, Business Development Manager at African Farming

Doris’s story began in 2019, when her mother, Mmatale Junior Mokgabudi, who kept pigs that often roamed freely around their village, asked her children to help build a shelter for the animals. All the siblings contributed, but when their mother later offered each of them the chance to buy a pregnant pig, only Doris recognised the opportunity and took it.

At the time, Doris was working for a construction company in Middelburg. She bought the pig and continued with her job, returning home regularly to check on it. In the early days of the Covid-19 lockdowns, her pig gave birth to 10 piglets, a small beginning that laid the foundation for a much bigger farming enterprise.

Every Big Farming Story Starts Small – These Piglets Are Where It All Begins. Photo: Maphuti Mongatane — Every big farming story starts small – these piglets are where it all begins. Photo: Maphuti Mongatane

Taking Ownership and Learning Through Experience

In 2020, following the passing of her mother, Doris inherited all her mother’s pigs, bringing her herd to 70. She initially tried selling through an abattoir, but the experience left her feeling underpaid and undervalued. Rather than accepting this as the norm, Doris took it as a lesson: If you don’t understand your market, someone else will decide your worth for you.

That experience sharpened her approach to farming. She shifted her focus to direct sales, engaging buyers herself and taking control of pricing, quality and relationships. It was an early sign of what would become a defining trait. Doris understands her worth, and she protects it.

Also read: AgriDuo Consulting: Planting the seeds of a sustainable future

Learning by Asking, Searching and Testing

One of the strongest lessons from Doris’s story is her belief that information does not arrive on its own; you have to look for it. She turned to social media – TikTok in particular – not for trends but for knowledge. Through online content, Doris learnt practical farming principles that changed how she operates.

Before planting spinach, she did a soil test to ensure she was starting correctly. She also learnt about azolla, an aquatic fern, which she now grows herself to supplement pig feed, significantly reducing costs. Doris often emphasises that today’s farmers already have powerful tools in their hands. If you are serious about farming, you must ask questions, search for information and apply what you learn correctly.

Doris Grows Azolla, An Aquatic Fern That Is Rich In Protein, Vitamins And Minerals, To Supplement Feed For Her Pigs. Photo: Maphuti Mongatane — Doris grows azolla, an aquatic fern that is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, to supplement feed for her pigs. Photo: Maphuti Mongatane

Markets, Pricing and Protecting Your Value

Doris’ spinach enterprise began strongly – she initially harvested about 100 bunches per day. As more farmers entered the market, however, some chose to undercut prices dramatically, a practice that not only affected market stability but also undervalued the product itself.

Rather than following the race to the bottom, Doris decided she would not sabotage her own business, or others’, by lowering prices unsustainably. She understands that doing things properly matters – from soil preparation to pricing.

Today, Doris continues to sell confidently at her set prices. She supplies customers hosting events such as funerals and weddings, where quality and reliability matter, and she still delivers to local markets. On average, she supplies about 300 bunches of spinach to markets each week, bringing her total output to about 500 bunches per week, which is a solid, consistent business by any measure.

She also ensures that nothing goes to waste. Any surplus spinach is preserved using a traditional drying method to make morogo wa dikgopana – it is first cooked and then dried in the sun, allowing her to manage supply wisely.

Lerotho, Also Known As African Cabbage, Is Dried To Preserve It For Future Use – A Sepedi Tradition Deeply Rooted In Indigenous Food Knowledge. Photo: Maphuti Mongatane — Lerotho, also known as African cabbage, is dried to preserve it for future use – a Sepedi tradition deeply rooted in indigenous food knowledge. Photo: Maphuti Mongatane

A Business Built Where She Is

Doris farms on a five-hectare property in Dennilton, Uitspanning A, Limpopo, where she continues to diversify, learn and refine her operation. From pig farming to spinach production, every decision she makes is intentional and informed.

Her journey shows that you don’t need to relocate, wait for permission, or sit back and hope for opportunities to come knocking. You can build a viable farming business right where you are, provided you are willing to learn, ask questions and stand firm in your value.

Doris is a smart, forward-thinking farmer who understands that success is not just about producing more, but also about producing correctly. Her story is a reminder that knowledge, confidence and discipline are just as important as land and livestock – and that when you respect your own work, the market will eventually do the same.