Zibo Makhaye knew from an early age that she would pursue a career in agriculture. Makhaye was born in Mtubatuba (Northern KwaZulu-Natal) where agriculture is a way of life. Her father, a teacher by profession, owned a 10-hectare sugarcane farm. “We used to wake up early in the morning to weed and spray chemicals”. My father used to tell me that money was in the soil and not in some fancy office. I decided at that young age that I would pursue a career in farming.’’
Makhaye attended Bongubuhle primary school and then went to Madwaleni high school in Mtubatuba. Soon after finishing her Grade 12, she was accepted at the CEDARA College of Agriculture in Pietermaritzburg to pursue her studies in Plant Production. On completion of her national Diploma, she applied and was accepted to attend the Senior Certificate course in sugarcane agriculture which is facilitated through the South African Sugar Research Institute (SASRI).
From 2006 to mid-2007, this 34-year-old worked for the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on an outreach programme for small scale farmers, and then she joined Tongaat Hulett. She started out as a trainee at Tongaat and was later appointed as an Assistant Farm Manager. In October 2019, she was employed by Uzinzo Sugar Farming as a Farm Manager.
In her new role, Makhaye is responsible for the daily planning, organizing, supervising and administration activities on the farm. “My typical responsibilities include forward planning, making sure that work progress optimally, keeping an eye on expenditure on the farm; ensuring compliance with government regulations, health and safety standards. I am also responsible for ensuring that the farm is profitable and meet the projected financial targets,” says Ms Makhaye.
She is responsible for some 273 seasonal workers and 5 permanent employees. “The main challenge that I faced in my career has been working in an environment that is typically known as a men-only environment. I had to deal with people not trusting my leadership due to my age and gender, more especially older men. I had to double my efforts and prove myself.
“The immediate thing that I have achieved in my current role as a Farm Manager is that it has brought my confidence back. My leadership skills have been put on display. The ability to solve issues with employees always brings pleasure. To manage such a huge farm, 2 600 hectares of the 3 900 hectares, is an achievement on its own. To see Uzinzo making profit is the cherry on the top,” says Ms Makhaye.
Makhaye strongly believes there is space for women in agriculture. “To the young girls, I would like to say that they should not be scared to get their hand dirty. Believe in themselves. The secret is not to rush for success. They should be willing to wait for the results. Short cuts are not an option in agriculture.
I would also like to encourage other young women in the agricultural sector not to give up easily – it will not always be smooth, there will be challenges. However, love what you are doing, have passion. If need be, be prepared to work extra hours and go an extra mile without expecting to be compensated.”
