Sibanesethu’s Journey from Rondavel to Resilience

In the rural landscapes of Jonini, Tyhali Location in Alice, five determined women are rewriting the script of rural enterprise. Together, they formed Sibanesethu Agricultural Primary Co-operative Limited.

What began in 2023 with only 50 laying hens, housed in a borrowed rondavel and funded from their own pockets, has grown into a thriving co-operative. The journey was not without trials. Theft, overcrowded conditions, and lack of proper infrastructure threatened their dream. Yet instead of retreating, these women chose persistence. Every challenge became a call to innovate and every setback a stepping stone.

Recognising their resilience and determination, the ECDC through its Imvaba Fund provided the co-operative with financial support of more than R400 000. This has enabled the expansion of Sibanesethu’s operations through the procurement of modern layer cages, acquisition of 800 Hy-Line Brown hens, feed, secure fencing, and a purpose-built structure that will bring security, dignity and efficiency to their enterprise. Construction is already underway, with new deliveries set to transform the scale of their production.

This support does more than address operational needs. It affirms the power of women to lead community transformation. With experienced and young women at its helm, the co-operative is not only producing eggs but also nourishing households, creating jobs, and inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs. Their vision speaks to more than profit. It is about food security and shared prosperity for their community.

Sibanesethu’s story reminds us that empowering women creates a ripple effect far beyond individual success. Their journey from a rondavel to a thriving co-operative demonstrates that when women rise, communities rise with them. What started modestly now has the potential to become a sustainable agribusiness, one that contributes to poverty alleviation, inclusive economic growth, and the bold reimagining of rural economies.