AGDA CEO Leona Archary delivered an inspiring address at the Soul To Soil Women’s Day brunch, celebrating the transformative power of women in agriculture. Image: Gareth Davies/Food For Mzansi
Today’s theme of “Soul to Soil” resonates deeply with me. I believe it speaks to the connection between our passions, our dreams, and the earth that sustains us all. As women in agriculture, we are the living embodiment of this connection.
Thinking about the journey of a seed, it starts as a tiny package of potential. But when planted in fertile soil and nurtured with care, it transforms into a thriving plant that can feed families, sustain communities, and change landscapes. Our journeys as women in agriculture mirror this process.
Our souls are like those seeds – filled with dreams, ideas, and the potential for growth. The soil represents the agricultural sector, with all its challenges and opportunities. When we plant our souls in this soil, magical things happen.
But this is not a one-way process. Just as we pour our souls into the soil, that soil – rich with potential – feeds our souls in return.
Every challenge we overcome enriches us. Every crop we nurture nourishes our spirit. Every life we touch through our work adds depth to our purpose.
The soil teaches us patience and that change doesn’t happen overnight but with consistency, amazing things occur. It teaches us adaptability as each season brings new challenges, requiring us to evolve and innovate.
It teaches us interconnectedness because in the soil, as in life, everything is linked in a delicate balance. And perhaps most importantly, it teaches us hope – for in every seed we plant, we express our belief in a better future.
This relationship between soul and soil is at the heart of our agricultural journey. It’s about giving and receiving, and it’s also about nurturing and being nurtured. It is a reminder that as we work to transform agriculture, agriculture is also transforming us.
My own journey from soul to soil… My path to becoming the CEO of AGDA was not straightforward. Unusually, I began my career in commerce, but even then, the seeds of my future in agriculture were being planted.
As I continued my professional journey, I found myself drawn to the challenges of rural development and land reform. This work exposed me to the agricultural landscape – its challenges, its potential, and most importantly, its people. It was here that my passion for agriculture began to emerge, and I wanted to effect real change in the agricultural sector.
As I transitioned through various roles in government, I saw first-hand the power of agriculture. I witnessed how it could change lives, empower communities, and drive economic growth. Each of my roles during my career was like adding a new layer of rich soil to my experience, enhancing my understanding, and fuelling my determination to make a difference.
Today, in my current role as CEO of AGDA, I’ve learned to appreciate the unique perspective that women bring to leadership in agriculture. This sector, by its very nature, demands a leadership style that is resilient and nurturing.
It requires people who understand the complex nature of agriculture, have a long-term vision, and can adapt to changes and challenges. These qualities align closely with the experiences many women share as wife, mother, daughter, sister, community member, and caregivers.
I have found that as women, we can manage diverse responsibilities – strategic thinking, adaptability, and the ability to nurture potential. These translate powerfully into effective leadership in agriculture.
This is not about juggling roles but about synthesising experiences to create a more comprehensive, empathetic approach to leadership. This perspective has been crucial in shaping my approach at AGDA.
My guiding principle has always been “Lift as you rise.” True success in agriculture, as in life, is not measured solely by personal achievements, but by our ability to empower and elevate those around us.
It’s about creating an environment where everyone – our team members, the farmers we support, and the communities we serve – can flourish.
There’s a beautiful synergy in caring for the soil of our agricultural lands and nurturing those around us – be they our children, our staff, or the farmers we support. Both require us to be patient, to have faith in the process of growth, and to understand that our care and attention today will bear fruit in the future.
As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of a quote by Nelson Mandela: “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
So, I say this to you: Your journey, like mine, may not be a straight path. But every experience, every challenge, every triumph is enriching your soil. Trust in your passion, nurture your dreams, and don’t be afraid to put down roots in new territory. For it is in the diversity of our experiences that we find the strength to grow and the wisdom to lead.
My journey is just one among many stories of women in agriculture. Across our country, women are breaking barriers, driving innovation, and reshaping the agricultural landscape. These women embody “Soul to Soil,” pouring their passion and determination into agriculture in our country, and their stories are an inspiration to us all.
The remarkable women on our panel today, each of whom has made significant contributions to our agricultural sector:
Ntuthu Mbiko champions active participation and sustainable programmes for women in agribusiness and the biodiversity economy. Her roles in various industry structures demonstrate her commitment to enhancing women’s participation in agribusiness and transforming the sector.
Dr Mankodi Moitse, CEO of Kagiso Trust, has dedicated her career to rural development and education. With over 20 years of experience in both listed and private companies, she brings a wealth of financial and strategic expertise to the agricultural sector.
Her work demonstrates the crucial link between education, sound financial management, and agricultural progress. Her leadership at Kagiso Trust is helping to shape the future of rural development and education in South Africa.
Mientjie Mouton, founder of Carmién Tea, is a testament to the power of vision and perseverance in agriculture. In 1998, Mientjie saw great potential in rooibos and founded Carmién Tea.
Today, her company is an established exporter of quality rooibos to international markets and an innovative brand of tea blends. Her journey from growing up on a rooibos-producing farm to leading a successful international tea company embodies the “Soul to Soil” ethos.
Her work has not only created a thriving business but has also had a significant impact on the Citrusdal farming community through the Mouton Foundation.
Logamal Ramiah is the CEO of Masimong Group Holdings and brings a wealth of experience in finance and strategy to the agricultural sector. As a chartered accountant, Logamal has gained both local and international experience in various executive roles.
Her passion for empowerment and upliftment has led to her being named SAICA Top 35 Under 35 and CEO Global Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government. In her role as CEO of Masimong Group, Logamal is helping to shape the future of many crucial sectors in South Africa.
Barbara Muzata is a seasoned storyteller and integrated communications and branding strategist with diverse industry experience. Her expertise in launching, building, and positioning brands across Africa and the Middle East brings a unique perspective to the agricultural sector.
Her experience across various industries, including agriculture, allows her to bring innovative approaches to communicating the stories of women in agriculture and promoting the sector’s growth.
These women are contributing to and transforming agriculture in South Africa.
From revolutionising traditional practices to bringing corporate expertise to our sector, from building international brands to empowering local communities, they exemplify the “Soul to Soil” connection.
There are also many other women across our country transforming agriculture through their innovative approaches and unwavering dedication:
These women, and countless others across our country, are not just working in agriculture; they are transforming it. They are breaking new ground, both literally and figuratively, from urban rooftops to large farms, from beehives to high-tech greenhouses. Yet they all share a common thread – a deep, soulful connection to the soil they nurture.
These stories inspire us to dig deeper, reach further, and nurture the seeds of change in our own spheres. In doing so, we ensure that South African agriculture continues to be enriched by the passionate souls of women leaders for generations to come.
As we celebrate the achievements of women in agriculture, we must also acknowledge the significant challenges that many still face. The path from soul to soil is not always smooth, and many women encounter obstacles that can make their journey more difficult.
However, I firmly believe that within these challenges lie opportunities for growth, innovation, and transformative change.
At AGDA, we see these challenges as calls to action. We are committed to supporting women in seizing the opportunities that arise from these challenges. Through our various initiatives, we aim to:
By addressing these challenges, we’re not just removing barriers – we’re creating new pathways for women to thrive in agriculture. We’re turning the soil of challenge into fertile ground for opportunity.
Remember, the challenges we face are not insurmountable but rather stepping stones to a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable agricultural sector. As women in agriculture, we have the power to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth, both for ourselves and for our communities.
So, my fellow women in agriculture, I call upon you today to:
As we celebrate Women’s Month, let us embrace the connection between our souls and the soil we nurture. This connection goes beyond the physical; it’s spiritual and emotional, defining our essence as women in agriculture.
As we move forward, let’s heed the words of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize: “It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.”
In our case, our “little thing” might be planting crops, mentoring a fellow farmer, or advocating for policy change. Whatever it is, let’s do it with all our heart and soul.
Together, we’re authoring a new chapter in agriculture – one of empowerment, innovation, and sustainable growth, where women’s voices resonate across fields and boardrooms alike.
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Researched and written by our team of writers and editors.
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