Sibongile Cele Drives Urban Agriculture Through Mcebo Unlimited Wealth and Rooftop Farming

Sibongile Cele, director of Mcebo Unlimited Wealth (Pty) Ltd and Green Tree Market Agency, is a leading figure in urban agriculture in Johannesburg. Her businesses focus on producing fresh, high-quality vegetables and herbs while supporting the local community and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Mcebo Unlimited Wealth is a 100% woman owned and managed company operating a rooftop farm in Comptonville, south of Johannesburg, next to the Southgate Ridge complex, which comprises 500 units and over 1000 households. The farm grows a wide range of vegetables including beans, Swiss chard, chou moullier, kale, cabbages, carrots, chillies, lettuce gourmet mix, mini cucumbers, beetroot, onion, and tomato. Herbs such as mint, chives, and coriander are also cultivated. All produce is grown with attention to quality and sustainability, ensuring that local households have access to fresh, affordable food.

In addition to selling vegetables directly from her home garden, Sibongile offers sixteen varieties of vegetable seeds under the Imbewu Seeds brand, enabling residents to grow their own food and improve household food security. She is part of the Urban Agriculture Initiative and uses her rooftop farm, Mcebo Fresh Veggie, to demonstrate how urban spaces can be transformed into productive, food-growing areas.

Sibongile is also the director of Green Tree Market Agency, which recently participated in the JFEX 2025 Food and Beverage Winter Expo in Japan from 3 to 5 December. Presenting her produce on an international platform, she showcased the potential of urban farming to global buyers. While she admits traveling without her late husband was challenging, she continues to approach her work with determination and resilience.

Since founding her first rooftop farm in 2019, Sibongile has built a thriving business serving the Hillbrow community and supporting local causes, including a nearby orphanage. Her farms operate organically, following high production standards that conserve soil and maximise yield. Through GDARD’s Free Design Initiative, she has received guidance to refine her farming methods, packaging, and branding, allowing her to compete in international markets and grow her businesses effectively.

Sibongile’s work demonstrates the power of urban agriculture to feed communities, create economic opportunities, and inspire sustainable practices. Her combined efforts through Mcebo Unlimited Wealth and Green Tree Market Agency highlight how innovation, community focus, and professional expertise can transform small urban farms into successful, impactful enterprises.