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Lydia Nkhoke: From SASSA Clerk to Farming Success in Free State 2025
When a crisis changed everything
For more than 20 years, Lydia Nkhoke built her career behind a desk at the South African Social Security Agency. Farming was never part of her plan. That all changed in 2016 when her mother broke her leg. What began as a family emergency turned into the turning point of Lydia’s life.
Her mother’s injury meant the family-run Mantsopa Mothers Agricultural Cooperative needed someone to step in. Lydia reluctantly agreed to help. To her surprise, she discovered not just a knack for agriculture but a deep passion. “Once you touch the soil, there is no going back,” she said.
Feeding homes, schools, and shops
Nearly a decade later, Lydia has become the driving force of the cooperative in Ladybrand. The farm supplies fresh vegetables to local households, nearby schools, and even the Spar supermarket in town.
Her produce has become known for its quality. “Her products are nice and fresh and definitely value for money,” said Ladybrand Spar manager Pieter Maartens. The cooperative also supports local school feeding programmes, with Hermana Primary, St Benedict Primary, and Nereng High School sourcing vegetables directly from Lydia’s farm.
More than just a family farm
While Lydia calls it a “family affair,” the cooperative now employs five people and gives undergraduate students valuable training opportunities. Department spokesperson Howard Ndaba praised her hard work, pointing out that the farm is not only feeding children but also creating jobs.
Recognition has followed. Back in 1999, the cooperative won a provincial agricultural award that took them to the Ivory Coast to learn about farming methods abroad. Lydia recalls how roadside crops in that country showed her the value people place on agriculture. It is the same commitment she wishes to see more of among young South Africans.
Support and ambition for the future
The Free State Provincial Government has backed the cooperative with agricultural tunnels and a bakkie. Lydia is grateful, but her ambitions remain bigger. “It is my wish to see this business grow. I would still like to employ more people. That would make me happy,” she explained.
Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has publicly praised Lydia’s dedication, promising continued government support for emerging farmers like her. “They have the knowledge and passion for agriculture, and we are going to ensure that they are empowered and that they grow,” the Premier said.
From reluctant farmer to community leader
What started with reluctance has become a mission. Lydia now sees farming as her calling, one that allows her to feed her community, create opportunities, and inspire the next generation.
Her story is more than one of personal success. It is a reminder of the potential in South African agriculture when resilience, family, and community needs come together. In Ladybrand and beyond, Lydia Nkhoke’s journey shows how farming can change lives.
Also read: De Ruyter Explains Why He Walked Away from Eskom
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Treehugger
