Uniche Busisiwe Dladla, founder and managing director of Magalela Enterprises, utilizes her roots and drive to solve production challenges to build a career in modern South African agriculture.
Dladla grew up in the small town of Amersfort, Mpumalanga province. Although her family was involved in commercial farming, primarily growing maize and soybeans, her personal exposure to crop care began at home. Her mother, Lizzy Dladla, maintained a vegetable garden where Dladla regularly assisted. She stated that this experience gave her an early connection to agriculture.
She received her primary education at De Emigratie Primary School and later attended Hlelimfundo Combined School. After school, Dladla expanded her knowledge by studying business management at Oxbridge Academy, followed by obtaining a technical qualification in rigging from ABS Academy. In 2013, she began working as a rigger in the construction industry, stepping away from full-time farming but maintaining her business ambitions.
The turning point toward agriculture was the registration of Magalela Enterprises, named after her family surname, with the slogan: 'Cultivating a Lasting Legacy.' Although the enterprise was registered in 2022, its operational activities accelerated in 2024 after she saw an advertisement for the Seriti Green farming bootcamp. She applied, was accepted, and used this platform to refine and present her farming concept.
Dladla noted that during the bootcamp, she developed and presented her farming idea, and this opportunity gave her the confidence to pursue farming seriously. Following a successful presentation, Dladla secured initial funding to establish necessary infrastructure, including netting shelters, fencing, and basic agricultural tools. She started cultivating on a small rented plot, planting potatoes and onions.
Despite immediate challenges with water access, she harvested her first crop and sold the produce directly to local street vendors and spaza shops. In pursuit of long-term stability, Dladla subsequently acquired two hectares of municipal land in Bethal, where Magalela Enterprises currently operates. She also receives ongoing support from the Seriti Institute, including onion seedlings, soil preparation assistance, and agricultural education, which has helped her develop as both a practical and academically proficient farmer.
Magalela Enterprises is currently focused on producing onions, beetroot, green peppers, and chili on its two-hectare site, where two part-time employees assist with daily field work. Dladla intentionally selects main crops based on market demand rather than quick profit. She explains that she focuses on onions because there is a market opportunity. Many may underestimate onions due to their longer maturation period, but she sees this as an advantage because of the demand for them.
Her progress attracted the attention of high-ranking officials, including visits from the CEO of Seriti and the Minister of Electricity, confirming the growing scale of the business. Concurrently, Dladla continues to receive technical training. She is undergoing NQF Level 4 certification in plant production and participating in a three-year program with Agriculture Academy aimed at transforming her enterprise into a commercially viable operation.
However, running a new farm comes with certain operational pressures, particularly regarding mechanization and logistics. Dladla shares that one of the main issues is soil preparation. Renting a tractor can be very expensive, so she sometimes has to hire people to help prepare the land. Transportation is another hurdle, requiring the hiring of vehicles to deliver to buyers. She notes that while these difficulties can be challenging, they have taught her to find alternative solutions and move forward using available resources.
Dladla's plans for Magalela Enterprises include expanding vegetable production, securing formal procurement agreements, and entering larger commercial supply chains. Her long-term expansion plans involve seed production, hydroponic systems, and added value through agro-processing, specifically onion processing. Most importantly, she aims to create jobs, contribute to food security, and build a business that can create a lasting legacy for future generations.
For aspiring farmers, Dladla emphasizes the importance of taking action rather than waiting for ideal conditions. She advises starting with what you have and utilizing what is available. You don't need to have everything from the beginning. You must start small, learn everything possible, take advantage of opportunities, and not be afraid to ask for help. Agriculture is a business, so it must be taken seriously; you must understand the market and continue learning.