Boniwe Mgqalelo

What does your company do?

Qalabusha is a sustainable agricultural startup that specializes in crop and piggery production. Our mission is to promote sustainable agriculture practices, contribute to food security, and support community development initiatives. We prioritize environmentally friendly practices, social responsibility, and community engagement. Products/Services: - Fresh produce (maize, vegetables, and fruits) - Pork products (pork meat, sausages, and bacon) - Agricultural training and consulting services

What is your biggest success?

My biggest success is being recognized as a young leader in Africa, where I won the 2nd runner-up position in the Founder of the Year under 30 award. This achievement not only validates my hard work and dedication to Qalabusha but also opens doors for future growth and partnerships. Seeing Qalabusha evolve from a small startup to a thriving agricultural business, supplying local supermarkets like OBC and Spar Group, and schools such as Dimanda SSS, is truly fulfilling. Our commitment to community development, providing temporary employment opportunities, and donating vegetables to vulnerable families, is at the core of our success. We're now looking to expand into agro-processing and establishing a seedlings nursery.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

My biggest hurdle has been accessing the resources needed to sustain and grow Qalabusha. Water access has been a significant challenge, and investing in irrigation systems is crucial for our crop production. Additionally, extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain and intense sunlight, damage our products, and investing in tunnels would help mitigate this risk. Access to finance is also a major hurdle, as it limits our ability to invest in necessary infrastructure and human resources. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our mission of contributing to community development through temporary employment opportunities and donating vegetables to vulnerable families. With the right support, we believe Qalabusha can overcome these hurdles and achieve its goals, including expanding into agro-processing and establishing a seedlings nursery.