Andile Siphesihle Ngcobo: Young South African Farmer Leading Innovation and Mentorship

Andile Siphesihle Ngcobo is making a mark in South African agriculture. He manages operations at Tusokuhle Farming, a 1 300-hectare black-owned farm near Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, employing around 108 workers, 40 of whom are permanent. Ngcobo’s journey began in 2013 when he enrolled at Cedara College of Agriculture, and by age 25, he was managing a large-scale farm with over 100 employees. Today, he is expanding into agrotechnology and mentoring, both locally and internationally, helping shape the next generation of farmers.

Ngcobo identified a critical gap in mentorship within the farming sector. “Farms are isolated, so finding a mentor is difficult. Agri-shows help, but they can feel intimidating for newcomers,” he explains. Leveraging his social media presence, he now guides young and established farmers, agriculture students, and aspiring entrepreneurs. This engagement led to the creation of a consulting business that employs over eight people, providing services in agri-business strategies, production guidance, and market access.

One of Ngcobo’s notable initiatives involves mentoring a group of women on the outskirts of Pietermaritzburg. With his guidance, they expanded from planting 500 cabbages in backyard plots to 5 000, selling collectively and gaining access to larger markets. “After three seed donations, they became fully self-sufficient. I haven’t had to encourage them—they’ve done exceptionally well,” Ngcobo notes. His work highlights the broader opportunities in agriculture beyond primary farming, including logistics, storage, and quality assurance.

International exposure has also shaped Ngcobo’s approach. He has trained students in France, Lesotho, and Namibia, covering soil preparation, legumes, tractor mechanics, and planting techniques, often in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Back home, he continues to provide mentorship and consulting services, focusing on modern farming practices and business development for small- to medium-scale enterprises.

Innovation is central to Ngcobo’s vision. He co-founded Sky Harvest, a company offering drone technology for precision agriculture. These drones assist with spraying, sowing, plant protection, and monitoring conditions such as irrigation, fertilization, pests, and disease. While adoption of such technology can be expensive, Ngcobo emphasizes its efficiency and long-term savings compared to traditional methods. He believes technology, combined with mechanization and innovative management, is crucial for the future of farming in South Africa.

Ngcobo acknowledges the challenges of farming, including unpredictable weather, crop failures, and limited access to funding, but views setbacks as learning opportunities. “In agriculture, if hail knocks your crops down or yields fail, you have to start again next season. These experiences build grit and innovation,” he explains. His focus on mentorship, technology, and business growth demonstrates a commitment to transforming agriculture while empowering others.

Through his leadership, Andile Siphesihle Ngcobo is redefining modern farming in South Africa, bridging the gap between traditional agriculture, technological innovation, and mentorship. His work illustrates that with knowledge, innovation, and support, young farmers can thrive, scale operations, and create sustainable agricultural enterprises.