Dr Gostina “Gabbey” Malope

What does your company do?

Good Day Team, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere admiration for the remarkable strides that Toutele Agriculture College South Africa has made in the realm of agricultural education and entrepreneurship.I am compelled to advocate for the recognition of Toutele Agriculture College as a successful business that exemplifies groundbreaking initiatives, impactful endeavors, and remarkable growth since its inception in 2015. Toutele Agriculture College stands as a beacon of Africa's vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, particularly within the realms of agriculture ,education, rural development and women & youth empowerment. Toutele Agriculture College has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to fostering innovation and impact within the agricultural sector, transcending traditional boundaries to emerge as a transformative force for rural development and economic growth in South Africa. Through its pioneering initiatives, Toutele Agriculture College has not only championed the vital role of agriculture in the economy but has also spearheaded community development projects that empower and uplift marginalized communities. One of the college's most commendable endeavors is its commitment to digital innovation in agriculture. By embracing cutting-edge technology, Toutele Agriculture College has revolutionized traditional farming practices, paving the way for increased efficiency, sustainability, and profitability within the industry.Moreover, Toutele Agriculture College's AgriSETA accredited agriculture qualifications serve as a testament to its unwavering commitment to educational excellence. These quality programs not only equip aspiring farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the agricultural sector but also provide invaluable opportunities for youth, women, and rural individuals to pursue meaningful careers and contribute to their communities' prosperity. I am particularly impressed by Toutele Agriculture College's Recognition of Prior Learning Programmes, which empower experienced rural farmers to formalize their expertise and become certified commercial farmers. By bridging the gap between informal knowledge and formal qualifications, Toutele Agriculture College is empowering a new generation of agricultural leaders and fostering inclusive growth and prosperity. At the helm of this remarkable institution is Dr. Gostina "Gabbey" Malope, a visionary , young woman entrepreneur whose passion and dedication have propelled Toutele Agriculture College to unprecedented heights. Dr. Malope's accolades, including recognition from esteemed institutions such as Mail & Guardian and the KZN Top Business Women Awards, underscore her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to driving positive change within the agricultural sector. Dr. Malope's strategic partnerships abroad, notably with institutions such as Porto Business School in Portugal, exemplify Toutele Agriculture College's global reach and influence. Through collaborative endeavors and knowledge exchange, Toutele Agriculture College is not only shaping the future of agriculture in South Africa but also making a meaningful impact on a global scale.In recognition of Toutele Agriculture College's exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to excellence, I implore to consider featuring the college in an upcoming awards By showcasing Toutele Agriculture College's success story, has an opportunity to celebrate Africa's vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and inspire future generations of agricultural innovators and leaders. In 2023, Dr. Malope was selected to participate in the Corteva Women in Agriculture Programme through Gordon Business School, further cementing her status as a leader in the field. In conclusion, Toutele Agriculture College is more than just a business; it is a force for positive change, empowering individuals, communities, and economies through agriculture and education. We believe that our story embodies the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that define Africa's burgeoning landscape. Recognition would not only honor just achievements but also amplify impact, inspiring others to join in shaping a brighter future for our continent. Thank you for considering my request. I am confident that Toutele Agriculture College's inclusion will serve as a source of inspiration and pride for all who have been part to its remarkable journey of success especially beneficiaries. Reference: -https://powerfulwomen.mg.co.za/gostina-gabby-malope-2022/ -https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/post/gostina-gabbey-malope

What is your biggest success?

Biggest success has been around growing the college in different aspects like: - Location: from being based in Pretoria to have a full base in Durban then servicing beneficiaries in more than 5 provinces - Being able to run Recognition of Prior Learning on behalf of big institutions like Crookes Brothers SA, Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute, Portchefstroom Agriculture College, Owen Sithole Agriculture College amongst others - To have been able to be recognised internationally with strategic partnership with Porto Business School in Portugal - To have grown number of students graduating with us at more than 30% each year - Diversity in our beneficiaries to include youth, women, rural communities - To have maintained accreditation with AgriSETA - introducing technology in agriculture and making the sector fashionable to youth - Being led by a trailblazing young woman entrepreneur and farmer

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Biggest hurdle has been around navigating old rural farmers who have been farming for years but only focusing on subsistence farming then now our intervention is to train them then introduce commercial farming so that concept has been a hurdle and to access these rural communities can be very difficult due to infrastructure in those areas as well as tribal authority rules.