Congratulations to the CUT woman of substance, Masello Mokhoro! One of the 2024 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans Award winners under the Category: Agriculture.

Years of investment, discipline, resilience, consistency and dedication paid off for CUT alumna, MaselloMokhoro, whenher innovation and entrepreneurship education placed her amongst winners at the 2024 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans Awards. 

From humble beginnings, with just 50 chicks and four pigs in the family backyard and on communal municipal land, the 25-year-old businesswoman now owns a successful agribusiness with over 100 chickens and more than 50 pigs. Mokhoro has been successfully running the Starlicious Enterprises for five years without fail.

Masello said that Starlicious Enterprises started as just an idea. “Every time I shared my aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur in the agricultural business and grow into commercial farming, people laughed at me. It was not an easy journey. I am not there yet; I am still learning the ropes. Seeing my business grow from strength to strength, being able to support my family and put myself through school, is hope enough to carry me through. This sector has also taught me patience, consistence, commitment, dedication and survival tactics but most importantly, it has survived the Covid-19 aftermath and livestock theft,” she said. 

Asked how she managed to penetrate the previously male dominated sector, Masello said that things are slowly opening-up for female farmers especially black females and she chose to take the opportunity and couple it with the knowledge and skills acquired from CUT to realise her dream. “I have always wanted to be a veterinarian (Vet), so being in the agricultural business and having to take care of my livestock brought me closer to my dream and I am grateful.”

She added that her active participation in student organisations such as Agricultural Student Organisation (AgriSO) and competing in entrepreneurial competitions hosted by iGym also played a huge role in shaping her career and building the courage beyond her varsity life. “These programmes gave me hope and helped me realise my potential. They enhanced my leadership and communication skills and, created the networking platform for me. I was able to meet with amazing people who have also turned into my lifetime mentors.”

“After knocking on multiple doors and pitching my idea to several potentials, I was able to secure a lease for two hectares of land and I am currently running my entire business from groundwork to bookkeeping, sales and marketing. “I am proud of the woman I have become,” she added.

Masello matriculated at Rainbow high school- in Bultfontein and graduated her National Diploma in Agricultural Management, Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management-Cum Laude in 2020, and Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Management, all from CUT. 

Apart from her recent win, her success has been recognised. In 2022, she was selected as one of the Free State’s top 50 most influential youth and the Graca Machel Foundation. Earlier this year, she was also honoured in the Women Creating Wealth programme.

Masello Mokhoro managed to implement acquired knowledge into practice. She is now an entrepreneur and owner of Starlicious Enterprises. Her daily tasks include managing and overseeing her business as well as handling animals, feeding, and vaccinating livestock.

Uploaded: 16 August 2024