Sometimes tears of joy are more powerful than words to truly express joy and gratitude.

That was certainly the case when young Shakaskraal tunnel farmer Welile Gumede was handed a lifeline last Wednesday to restart her business destroyed during the floods.

The dynamic young entrepreneur received a R500 000 cheque from deputy minister of social development, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, and the MTN SA Foundation to help her back on her feet.

Gumede’s hydroponics tunnels in which she was growing vegetables were all swept away during the April floods.

This as she was still recovering from having to stop farming in Madundube where she had been permitted to reactivate abandoned tunnels in 2018.

She worked hard, using her child support grant to start Azowel Farming projects, winning a number of entrepreneur competitions.

The business thrived and had a turnover of R1.6-million, employing 32 people.

“But people in the area began threatening my business and I was attacked. There was even a protest during which they blocked the road with burning tyres to stop me and make way for someone else to obtain my tunnels. I had no choice but to shut down and all the workers were left jobless.

“It was very traumatic because I turned that place into a profitable business.”

Welile refused to give up on her dream and focused on developing tunnel farming in Shakaskraal.

Not long after she planted new seeds, the floods hit and once again she lost everything.

“I felt defeated and did not know what to do. I spent a week indoors and did not want to speak to anyone. My heart was torn apart.

“But now there is hope and God knows how grateful I am for this assistance,” said Welile.

She advised other young entrepreneurs to not be afraid to start something they are passionate about. Help will come along the way.

“Go out there and attend those business seminars, workshops and network with people. Use the internet to your advantage as the information is out there, just use it.”

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