On the morning of 12 October 2024, Mokopane came alive with the energy of entrepreneurs, businesswomen, and thought leaders gathered for the highly anticipated Female Economy Workshop and Expo. Hosted by the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance, this event was about equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed and creating tangible opportunities for those poised to take their businesses to new heights. One of the most thrilling moments of the day was the TEA Kasi Pitching Challenge. Out of the brilliant ideas that were pitched, Nthabiseng Baloyi, founder of Mma B’s Chicken Farm and Hatchery, emerged as the winner of the R50 000 prize.
The day was filled with excitement, networking, and a palpable sense of empowerment. Still, no moment was more emotionally charged than when Nthabiseng’s name was announced as the winner of the Kasi Pitching Challenge. Standing in front of a cheering crowd of entrepreneurs and community leaders at the Female Economy Workshop and Expo, her eyes brimming with tears of joy, Nthabiseng could barely find the words to express her gratitude. “I’m almost speechless,” she whispered through tears, her voice choked with emotion. “This means everything to me.”
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From Humble Beginnings to a Standing Ovation
For Nthabiseng, the Female Economy Workshop and Expo was more than just an opportunity to attend a business event. It was the stage where her entrepreneurial dreams were validated in front of fellow women changemakers, seasoned business leaders, and government officials. Born in Kimberley and raised in Mokopane, this 24-year-old entrepreneur has faced challenges that would make many give up. But for Nthabiseng, falling pregnant at 19 was the biggest challenge. Unsure of her future, it was her brother who helped her find her way. “He asked me to think about what kind of business I wanted to start,” Nthabiseng shared after her win.
Initially, she wanted to open a car wash, but after observing the lack of chicken farms in her village, she saw an opportunity and decided to venture into poultry farming. In September 2021, Mma B’s Chicken Farm and Hatchery, named in honour of her supportive mother, was born. She started small, with just one chicken house that held 100 chickens, but her hard work and dedication soon paid off. Today, her farm boasts two chicken houses that can accommodate up to 500 chickens, and most of the resellers in her community stock from her farm.
She incubates eggs for 21 days and raises the chickens for six weeks, producing healthy, organic poultry for her growing customer base. “The chickens are like babies,” Nthabiseng said, explaining the delicate care they require. She takes pride in her organic farming approach, using moringa and aloe vera instead of vaccinations. Through her experience and leadership with the Agri-SETA-accredited Kulani Poultry Enterprise (KPE) programme, she has become an expert in poultry farming and aims to eventually expand into raising layers and producing fertile eggs.
Despite the challenges, including losing a significant number of chickens due to the Mokopane heat in September 2022, Nthabiseng persevered. “There were moments I thought it wouldn’t work, but my children push me to work harder every day,” she said. Her eldest son has taken a keen interest in the farm, preferring to spend his day with the chickens rather than playing with toys. Nthabiseng dreams of passing the business on to him one day.
Winning the TEA Kasi Pitching Challenge is just the beginning for Nthabiseng, who now has her sights set on expanding Mma B’s Chicken Farm and Hatchery to house 1,000 to 2,000 chickens and, eventually, franchising the business across South Africa and beyond. Through her business, Nthabiseng has not only uplifted herself but also given young people in her community the chance to resell her chickens, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in Mokopane’s youth.
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Empowering Women, Empowering Economies
The Female Economy Workshop and Expo aims to amplify the efforts of women who are driving change in their communities. As the event unfolded, with panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking sessions, it was clear that the women of Mokopane and beyond were seizing the opportunities before them. The TEA Kasi Pitching Challenge provided a platform for women like Nthabiseng to present their business ideas to a panel of seasoned judges and fellow entrepreneurs, fostering an environment of support, inspiration, and business development.
A Future of Possibility
Nthabiseng’s advice for fellow entrepreneurs is simple but profound: “No matter the challenges, keep pushing. You’re stronger than you think, and your dreams are worth fighting for.” As we celebrate this remarkable win, we look forward to seeing Mma B’s Chicken Farm and Hatchery soar to new heights and evolve into something truly extraordinary.
