From Dreams to Harvest: Amogelang Malangabi’s Journey to Agricultural Success
George George Idowu
While most eight-year-olds were consumed by thoughts of toys and ice cream, Amogelang Malangabi had her sights set on something far more: substantial farming.
Growing up in Qwaqwa, Free State, with a father who was a dedicated cattle farmer, Amogelang developed a love for agriculture at a very young age. She knew farming was her calling, inspired by the rhythms of rural life and the hard work she witnessed on her father’s farm.
However, like many young adults, Amogelang faced the pressures of fitting in with her peers. Despite her passion for farming, she studied bookkeeping after completing high school. While she successfully secured a job in the field, the tug of the land was never far from her heart.
By 2017, she made a bold decision by leaving behind her stable job and following her lifelong dream of farming.
This, therefore, was the beginning of Eland Green Farm, located in Walkerville near Sebokeng in the Vaal.
Starting with essential garden tools and sheer determination, she transformed four hectares of land into a productive farm.
“I had to ignore the naysayers,” Amogelang recalls. “Farming has been my dream since I was a child, and with my family’s support, there was no turning back.”
Though Amogelang grew up on a livestock farm, she embarked on her journey as a self-taught vegetable farmer. She honed her skills through YouTube tutorials, social media platforms, and a short course provided by the Gauteng Agriculture and Rural Development Department. She made up for what she lacked in formal education with resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to learning.
Her hard work paid off. Eland Green Farm supplies seven major supermarket chains and fresh produce markets today.
The farm also employs 15 permanent staff members, helping to sustain the local community.
In 2024, Amogelang’s efforts and dedication were recognised on a larger stage when she won three prestigious Women and Young Entrepreneur Awards awards.
Her success story is a testament to the power of perseverance and following one’s passion, even when the odds seem overwhelming.
Looking forward, Amogelang has big plans for her business. Her next venture is to dive into agro-processing, packaging her produce to add value to her farm’s output and further expand her thriving enterprise.
Amogelang Malangabi’s journey from a little girl with a big dream to an award-winning farmer inspires many. Her story shows that with passion, dedication, and the right support, it is possible to grow something extraordinary even from the humblest beginnings.