The journey of University of Pretoria (UP) graduate Lesego Makgoba from being unemployed to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the agricultural sector is a testament to resilience, innovation and the power of self-education. Her story begins in the heart of Mafikeng, where she was raised by a single mother in an academically disciplined environment.

“I grew up in Mafikeng with my mother, where I spent my entire childhood,” says Makgoba who recently made the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans list in the Agriculture category. “My grandfather, who was a principal in the Sekhukhune district in Limpopo, played a significant role in shaping my interests and developing a strong academic culture in the family.”

Her fascination with agriculture began during her visits to her grandparents in Limpopo, where she was introduced to indigenous farming practices and sustainable agricultural methods. This early exposure left a mark on her, fostering a lifelong connection to farming and a deep appreciation for indigenous knowledge systems.

After completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Econometrics at UP and an honours degree in Economics at the University of Cape Town, Makgoba faced the reality of limited job opportunities, which was exacerbated by the pandemic. Finding herself back in Mafikeng with dwindling prospects, she turned to her passion for agriculture and embarked on a journey of self-education and innovation.

“The pandemic hit, and job opportunities were scarce," Makgoba explains. “To fill my time and channel my energy, I started experimenting with hydroponics, building systems from recyclable materials. This hobby evolved into a serious business venture, leading to the establishment of Nation Farming Solutions.”

Her venture specialises in constructing commercial shade nets and hydroponic systems, which are methods of growing plants without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent. Her creativity did not stop there. Recognising a demand for sustainable firewood, she began a firewood business, sourcing wood from dead trees across the province. This resourcefulness provided the initial capital needed to expand her agricultural endeavours.

“My journey began with me selling firewood, which provided essential funding and helped me to establish Nation Farming Solutions. Over time, I expanded into hydroponics, using recyclable materials to build systems that support sustainable agriculture.”

Makgoba’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t end with farming. She also launched Nation Rolling Paper, a brand of rolling paper now available at select PNPs and independent stores across South Africa. This diversification has not only enhanced her business portfolio but also contributed to her financial stability and growth.

“In a male-dominated field, I’ve faced challenges related to gender biases and societal expectations,” Makgoba admits. “To overcome these challenges, I focus on delivering high-quality results in all my ventures. Being a woman in this field is a huge responsibility. We have to work twice as hard for half the recognition.”

Despite the obstacles, Makgoba finds immense satisfaction in her work.

“One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing the tangible results of my efforts, such as transforming a bare field into a thriving green space,” she says. “Watching your field go from brown to green is so satisfying, especially at sunset.”

Her advice to other women who are aspiring to start their own businesses is straightforward: “Stay confident and steadfast in your ambitions. Embrace your drive and determination, as these qualities are essential for success. Whether you’re starting a business in agriculture or another field, maintaining your resolve and delivering exceptional results will help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals."

Looking ahead, Makgoba aims to contribute to discussions and academic literature on the economics of inequality and its impact on entrepreneurial ecosystems in South Africa. She believes that agriculture and informal economic ecosystems can play a crucial role in addressing inequality and food security challenges in the country.

"It is very possible for nobody to go to bed hungry in South Africa," she asserts. "The question is, do we actively want to address this?"