#WIB – Q&A With Roseline Mapuranga Founder Of Tsehla Holdings
1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
I do hydroponic farming, while my business focuses on vegetable farming using hydroponic technology we seek to address the issue of food security through planting all year round. Hydroponic farming also uses over 80% less water than conventional farming thus also taking care of our natural resources. We also want to expand into establishing a hydroponic training center for the local women and the youth.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
I started my business in 2019 just before the Covid-19 pandemic. An associate of mine Jeffery Ndumo introduced me to Aquaponics and when i did my research i felt comfortable to start with hydroponics. The plight of female farm workers in my area is what drove me to start my business. These women start work as early as 5am and toil throughout the day and their salaries do not even make minimum wage if they get any. I wanted to provide decent employment and something that would give these women their dignity.
3. What is your role in your business?
I am the farm manager, driver, and accountant.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
I did hydroponic training and tunnel production at Tshwane University of Technology. I also did an Agriprenuer programme with Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS).
5. How did you finance your business?
I self financed when i started. When i now wanted to expand i got introduced to Lelemba Phiri from Africa Trust Group who finances women led companies. I was given US$30 000. That is how i managed to expand my business.
6. Describe your average work day, if such a thing exists.
My work day starts a 5.30am when i wake up and go to the tunnels to start my first irrigation at 6am. I irrigate for 15 minutes after every 2hrs. I then do my admin for an hour. If there is any procurement or deliveries I do them in the morning. Depending on the time of the season I also work in the tunnels pruning and harvesting, and also plant inspection for diseases and pests. I monitor all the hardware like pumps, drips and pump station to see if they all functioning well.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
I live on the farm, so it’s easy for me to balance my home and work life. I structure my school run to not clash with any activity on the farm. I also try to find help when it becomes difficult for me.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
Women empowerment and bridging the gap between emerging and commercial farmers. We must not continue to be emerging farmers, there is a point where we have to grow and graduate to be commercial farmers.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
I am an introvert and that time alone makes me think a lot about myself and my business, but I also learn from what my peers are doing.
10. Where and how do you market/ advertise your business for sales leads?
I market my products on my website and on social media. Word of mouth has also helped me establish a customer base to the extent that I want to establish a vegetable kiosk.
11. What is next for your business?
I want to expand on my business so that I become one of the leading customized tunnel designers and installers, this also includes setting up hydroponic systems. And have an accredited state of the art hydroponic training center.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
Do proper research on the field that you want to do. When you get in a room, they must know that you know your story. Align yourself with a good accelerator programme, business school or mentor like Grindstone. They will give you the proper foundation to build your business on. Be resilient and take up space in your industry. No one will give you a seat at the table, pull up a chair and make yourself comfortable.
Contact information
Servicing Meyerton, South Africa