#WIB - Q&A With Hlobisile Yende Director Of The Yende & Partners Pty -

1. Can you please tell us more about your business?

The Yende and Partners (pty) is a family business that specializes in 3 major commodities which consists of livestock (cows, goats and sheep) which is the heart of the business, grains (maize and soybeans) the backbone of the business, and with passion for sustainable agriculture running through my veins, I set out to cultivate a crop that would not nourish our bodies but also the environment which is (butternut). The business is run by a father and daughter duo who has since passed the reins to me to run the daily operations of the business.

The business also offers a wide range of services such as the hiring of agricultural equipment to our neighbouring farmers, slaughtering service where a customer orders an animal for slaughter we clean, cut into the different pieces, package and deliver. We also pride ourselves in our award winning student programme that is tailor made to cater for female 3^rd year students who need to do their integrated learning so that they can graduate. I have released my first children’s book titled “Lethu the farmer” which is a children’s book that teaches children from the age four years old about farming, the food they eat where it comes from and the benefits of it.

2. When, how and why did you start your business?

I did not start the business. I took over the business and GREW it. I brought about change by introducing a third commodity, innovation and the recognition that it deserves. I am from a family of farmers, so farming is in my bloodline. As we speak, I am 3^rd generational farmer. My grandfather was the pillar of the family tree who planted the seed of farming. My father followed into his steps and today, I am now running the business and have since taken over the business. We all share the same goal of wanting to contribute towards eliminating food insecurity in the country as through all generations the business has operated on a commercial scale.

3. What is your role in the business?

I am the director of the Yende and Partners (pty). I run the daily operations on the farm, I am an agricultural literacy author. I also run the student programme where I mentor female agric students.

4. Where did you study and what did you study?

I studied at Monash South Africa now known as IIE MSA and my MBA’s are through the Gordon’s Institute of Business Science (GIBS).

-Obtained my Bachelor of social sciences majoring in Criminology and Psychology in 2018 via Monash South Africa.

-Bachelor of social sciences (Honours degree) majoring in Criminology in 2021 via IIE MSA.

-Currently busy with my Masters in Philosophy of arts due to finish at the end of the year via IIE MSA.

-Obtained my Business and Administration managed at the Gordon’s Institute of Business Science In 2021 via GIBS.

-Currently also busy with The Corteva Women in Agriculture 2023 programme Cohort 3 also through

Gibs (Selected along with 35 other female farmers in SA who met the set criteria to be part of this fully paid programme) which I am graduating from on the 5^th of December 2023 via GIBS.

5. How did you finance your business?

All our businesses and programmes are funded from our own pockets. We are fortunate to have other sources of income that feeds into the daily running’s of the farm business.

6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.

I usually start by checking my emails and messages.
Check up on the herdsmen and students.
Check the animals for any new additions during calving and lambing season, check for diarrhoea, teary eyes, any sick animals in essence.
Stock count of our livestock
If we need any medication, ear tags, etc. I get that at our local Afgri

7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?

I have a very strong support system which helps me a lot with juggling everything. I have a daily planner that helps me keep track of everything that I need to do on a work and personal note. I am a very calculated person, so I make sure I plan well, doesn’t always go my way but I try.

8. What drives you and inspires you?

My farming dreams! Farming is my passion, the thought of feeding a nation and contributing to towards the countries food status is fulfilling. Generational wealth, knowing that the business was and will be sustained for the generations to come and continues to grow strength. People such as my father Mr Charles Yende, my livestock mentor Ntate Duncan Serapelwane, and my very dear friend Sophy Musabeni. All these people have placed a very significant role in my life and have led and shaped me to where I am today.

9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?

Being on the farm I am the most creative and inspired because I am in touch with nature and can visualize my dream. I have a few favourite spots on the farm where I get to meditate, introspect, and journal. This is because it is peaceful and my happy place.

10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?

Over the years we have managed to create relationships with our main markets which has made it easier to access the market. We make use of a trusted buyer from a Krystal Consulting who compares markets for us and negotiates the best prices for us. Social media (Instagram) to be specific has helped us to grow a lot and allowed us to connect to a different marketplace. The business has been operating for years so word of mouth plays a role.

11. What is next for your business?

It is growth and more growth. It is introducing a new commodity to the business, tapping into new and bigger markets. Uplifting more female farmers because we grow by lifting others.