By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – Relebohile Mokhothu and her brother/business partner Thabiso Mokhothu, the founder of Makobasia Seedlings Production and agri farm pty ltd, are both prime example of how persistence, strategic support, and a growth mindset can lead to entrepreneurial success, especially in the agricultural sector.
Established in late 2022, Mokhothu’s company is dedicated to the production of vegetable seedlings, herb seedlings, and vegetables, while also offering services in artificial propagation. Her story is one of overcoming obstacles and leveraging opportunities, demonstrating the importance of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
In an interview with Informative Newspaper, Relebohile states that starting a business is never an easy feat, and for Mokhothu, one of the most significant hurdles was not securing funding. Unlike many entrepreneurs, Mokhothu had capital, having saved money during her time as a student at the Lesotho Agricultural College. However, the challenge she faced was one that many new entrepreneurs struggle with – finding a market for her products.
“At first, it wasn’t about funding. I had savings, but my biggest challenge was getting my products into the market,” says Mokhothu. “Starting a business in agriculture isn’t easy, especially when you don’t have an established customer base or network and climate change plays its part.”
Her story is a testament to the fact that having capital alone is not enough for success in business. The ability to access and sustain a market is just as critical. This is where strategic initiatives and the right partnerships can make all the difference.
One of the most transformative experiences for Mokhothu came when she discovered the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), an initiative designed to support women entrepreneurs by providing business training and resources. She stumbled upon AWE through a Facebook page and decided to apply. She was thrilled to find out that her application had been accepted, and what followed was a journey of growth and empowerment.
“The initiatives from AWE have been life-changing. When I first found out about it, I didn’t expect much, but after applying and receiving the email confirmation, I knew I was in for a transformative experience,” Mokhothu shared.
AWE equipped Mokhothu with crucial knowledge and skills that helped her to navigate the complexities of her business. From strategic planning to business proposal development, Mokhothu learned how to take her business to the next level. One of the key areas of growth for her was gaining the confidence to communicate her business offerings more effectively to potential clients.
“Before AWE, I lacked the confidence to explain my products well. Now, I am able to describe the services I offer with clarity, and this has helped me build trust with clients,” she explains.
AWE also helped Mokhothu understand the importance of bookkeeping and financial management. This knowledge has been instrumental in her ability to run a sustainable business. It’s one thing to have a vision and passion for your work, but having the financial literacy to manage a business effectively is crucial for long-term success.
Mokhothu’s story underscores the vital role of innovation and collaboration in business success, especially within the agricultural sector. One of the things that she emphasizes is the need for entrepreneurs to be open-minded and willing to learn and innovate.
“Innovation is key. AWE has taught me how to think outside the box and adapt to changes in the market. Agricultural practices are constantly evolving, and being able to embrace new ideas is essential,” she says.
For Mokhothu, innovation doesn’t just come in the form of technology or new farming techniques; it also includes how businesses interact and collaborate with one another. Collaboration, according to Mokhothu, is often an underestimated tool in entrepreneurship.
“Many entrepreneurs are afraid of collaborating, but there is so much power in working together. Collaboration allows you to learn from others, share resources, and grow your business in ways that you wouldn’t be able to do alone,” she explains.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear, embrace collaboration and remain open to new opportunities. In a sector like agriculture, which requires constant adaptation to changing environmental conditions, market demands, and technology, being flexible and open to diverse perspectives can provide a competitive advantage.
One of Mokhothu’s core beliefs is that diversity plays a significant role in the success of a business. She notes that a mix of backgrounds, experiences, and ideas creates a more resilient and adaptable business structure. Whether it’s in terms of gender, skills, or cultural perspectives, diversity enriches a business by enabling it to navigate challenges more effectively and spot opportunities that others may miss.
“In business, diversity is not just about the people involved but about how different ideas and approaches come together to create something new and impactful. When diverse ideas are brought into the conversation, businesses become more innovative and responsive to market needs,” Mokhothu reflects.
The agricultural sector, Mokhothu believes, offers great potential for aspiring entrepreneurs. While the industry can present challenges, it also provides numerous opportunities for growth and impact. The demand for locally produced vegetables, herbs, and other farm products is steadily increasing, and Mokhothu is proud to be a part of this growing industry.
“The agricultural sector is very important. It’s a field that has a huge impact on people’s lives and can offer sustainable business opportunities. It’s an exciting sector to dive into, and the rewards can be immense, especially when you are innovative and focused on your goals,” says Mokhothu.
Relebohile Mokhothu’s journey as an entrepreneur in the agricultural sector is a powerful example of how persistence, the right partnerships, and continuous learning can lead to success. The support she received from initiatives like AWE has helped her overcome challenges, gain confidence, and refine her business strategies. Through innovation, collaboration, and embracing diversity, Mokhothu has positioned her company, Makobasia Seedlings Producer and Agri Farm PTY LTD, for long-term growth in a competitive market.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to remain open-minded, learn from others, and seek opportunities for collaboration and innovation. As she continues to grow her business, Mokhothu exemplifies the importance of having a clear vision, developing the necessary skills, and fostering a collaborative mindset to succeed in today’s business environment. The agricultural sector, with its vast potential, offers plenty of opportunities for those willing to work hard and think creatively.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form