SASOLBURG – She quit her day job as a security guard to venture into farming as a career.
Patricia Beleng, a young farmer with big dreams of ending unemployment in her community and growing her business into a much bigger project, is making her mark in the agriculture sector.
This comes after the born and bred Sasolburg Poultry Farmer and CEO of Buhlebenkosi Agri Solutions was nominated as Agripreneur of The Year and came out 5th position during the 2024 Founder of the Year Awards (FOYA).
As a motivation for the 31-year-old, Beleng said she has dreams of passing her skills to other young people through farming programmes and end the scourge of unemployment.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Beleng recounted her humble beginnings and the pivotal moment that sparked her transition into farming.
“I’m a chicken farmer born into a family of farmers. Witnessing my mother’s entrepreneurial spirit in selling chickens inspired me to pursue poultry farming,” she said.
Beleng explains what inspired her even more to expand her interest in farming.
“I was working as a security guard some years ago before I quit. This happened after I got an opportunity at Sasol’s farmer’s development programme where we were taught about different farming,” she added.
Starting her business with minimal start-up funds, Bereng said she kick-started as a backyard farmer.
Since then, she has seen her business grow and aims to move to a much bigger space to produce for commercial.
Reflecting on her recent accolades at FOYA, Beleng expressed gratitude and determination.
“Attending such a prestigious event was a humbling experience. It reinforced my belief that passion, coupled with skill, can propel one to great heights. I am going to extend the business and also look into piggery and employ other young people who love farming. Young people should venture into farming because it doesn’t require much, except dedication and hard work,” she said.
