Lebohang Dhludhlu Builds Nkanyezi Farming from 50 Chickens to a Growing Poultry Business Supplying Hundreds of Clients

Lebohang Dhludhlu’s journey into agriculture shows how determination and strategic growth can transform a small idea into a thriving agribusiness. The founder of Nkanyezi Farming in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, began her poultry business with just 50 chickens and a vision to create a reliable supply of quality poultry products. What started as a modest operation has grown into a business that now supplies more than 300 clients across Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Her customer base includes retail stores, schools, and day care centres that rely on Nkanyezi Farming for consistent deliveries. Dhludhlu’s story reflects the broader potential of women entrepreneurs in agriculture who are building successful enterprises while contributing to food security and local economic development.

In the early days of the business, Dhludhlu and her team handled every stage of production manually. She explained that the small batch of chickens they started with required them to manage slaughtering, plucking, and packaging entirely by hand. Although the work was demanding, it allowed the business to maintain strict control over quality from the start. According to Dhludhlu, maintaining high standards helped Nkanyezi Farming earn the trust of its first customers. That trust laid the foundation for steady growth and expansion over time. Today the operation has grown significantly and includes two poultry houses and a high throughput abattoir that allows the business to meet growing demand.

Dhludhlu believes that professionalism and compliance play a critical role in the success of women owned agricultural businesses. She noted that women in agriculture often take deliberate steps to formalise their businesses and follow strict food safety standards. These practices ensure that products meet regulatory requirements and customer expectations in competitive markets. Nkanyezi Farming has adopted this approach by focusing on proper documentation, hygiene standards, and responsible production practices. By building a structured and compliant operation, the business has positioned itself to expand into new markets and strengthen relationships with institutional buyers.

Dhludhlu’s success comes at a time when global attention is focusing on the role of women in agriculture. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has launched the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 to recognise the contributions women make to agrifood systems worldwide. The campaign highlights the importance of closing gender gaps in access to land, finance, technology, and decision making. Across many countries, women play a vital role in food production yet often face barriers that limit the growth of their businesses. By drawing attention to these challenges, the initiative encourages governments, private sector partners, and development organisations to support female farmers more effectively.

Stories like Dhludhlu’s demonstrate what can happen when determination meets opportunity in agriculture. From a small flock of 50 chickens, Nkanyezi Farming has grown into a business that supplies hundreds of clients while creating jobs and strengthening food supply chains. Her journey reflects the resilience of many women who are building successful agricultural enterprises despite financial and structural barriers. As global initiatives highlight the importance of empowering women farmers, examples like Nkanyezi Farming show the impact that targeted support and professional business practices can achieve. With continued investment, inclusive policies, and access to markets, women farmers across South Africa have the potential to transform rural economies and secure a more resilient food system for the future.