Kedibonye Ellen Kaweng

What does your company do?

Kubu Kwena Farming Pty Ltd is a mixed farming business based in Jan Kempdorp, Northern Cape. We produce high-quality livestock and cash crops. Our livestock includes Bonsmara cattle, which we sell to Beefmaster and Vleisstraal. We also grow lucerne, pecan nuts, and vegetables, supplying to local and national buyers like SA Pecans and Spar. In addition to commercial farming, we run a youth empowerment project where we support 20 unemployed matriculants to start and manage their own spinach gardens. This helps them earn an income while learning valuable farming skills.

What is your biggest success?

My name is Kedibonye Ellen Kaweng. I am a proud agripreneur and the owner of Kubu Kwena Farming Pty Ltd, a 100% black woman-owned farming business. I have three sons, and my eldest is now in his first year at agricultural college, showing great interest in farming just like his younger brothers. My journey has not been easy. After going through a painful divorce where I had no voice or freedom, I rose above the challenges and built my own path. I was given land by the Department of Agriculture and later received more land through Land Bank Blended Funding. Today, I farm Bonsmara cattle and grow lucerne, pecan nuts, and vegetables in Jan Kempdorp, Northern Cape. We sell to big clients like Beefmaster, Vleisstraal, SA Pecans, and Spar. Kubu Kwena is an award-winning farm with 8 permanent workers and 15 seasonal workers. I am a proud member of the Saam Trek Saam Werk Farmers Union and the South African Pecan Nut Producers Association (SAPPA). One of my proudest achievements is helping 20 unemployed matric youth by training them in farming and giving them tools to grow spinach gardens. These youth now supply Spar with fresh spinach in our town. My business is not just about farming, it is about giving back, growing food, and growing people.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

My biggest hurdle was overcoming the impact of a painful divorce, which left me with no say in decision-making and limited freedom, even though I was contributing financially to the farm. Starting over as a single mother was emotionally and financially difficult, especially in a male-dominated industry. I also faced challenges accessing funding, and building a trusted team. Despite these struggles, I remained determined. With support from the Department of Agriculture and later the Land Bank Blended Funding, I secured my own farm and began rebuilding. Today, I proudly run a successful farming business that creates jobs, supports youth, and supplies major markets proof that strength and faith can overcome any hardship.