Agriculture and Farming in South Africa is often portrayed as traditional, male-dominated and difficult to access. This is especially true for women without land, capital or a farming background. For Kamohelo, this was not just a perception problem but a lived reality. Instead of allowing those barriers to define her place in the sector, she chose to challenge them.
That decision led to the founding of Farming in Heels in 2021 an initiative built to empower young women in agriculture through mentorship, practical training and access to networks. What began as a response to Kamohelo’s own struggle to access farming knowledge has since evolved into a platform that helps women enter, navigate and succeed in agribusiness with confidence and clarity.
Redefining who agriculture is for
Kamohelo’s motivation for starting Farming in Heels came from her experience of entering agriculture as a woman who did not fit the traditional image of a farmer. Along the way, she realised that interest among women was never the problem. The real challenge was how the industry presented itself.
Many women, she explains, felt excluded by a sector often framed as physically demanding, male dominated and inaccessible without generational land or capital. What was missing was visibility, support and clear entry points. This was particularly true for young, urban and first-time women agripreneurs. Farming in Heels was created to fill that gap by challenging stereotypes and making agriculture feel attainable, inclusive and commercially viable.
Building while learning
Like many founders, Kamohelo’s early journey involved building while learning. In the beginning, she found herself doing almost everything alone. At the same time, she was trying to build something sustainable and impactful.
She had to learn about systems, boundaries and scale, often in real time. All of this happened while she remained committed to the mission and the community she was serving. Adding to the challenge was being underestimated, both as a woman and as someone entering spaces not designed with her in mind.
Over time, these experiences changed how she operates. Today, she prioritises structure, collaboration and long-term sustainability. She recognises that growth driven purely by hustle is rarely sustainable.
Why skills and mentorship come first
From the outset, skills development and mentorship were placed at the centre of Farming in Heels. For Kamohelo, this focus was intentional. She understood early on that her success as a woman farmer could not be individual. It had to be collective.
Agriculture is a knowledge-intensive sector. Yet women often have limited access to training, mentorship and decision-making spaces. By focusing on capacity building, Farming in Heels helps level the playing field. Women are equipped with practical skills, confidence and support to innovate, manage risk and sustain their livelihoods.
Mentorship goes beyond technical training. It helps women see themselves not just as participants, but as capable leaders and business owners.
From farming to empowering agripreneurs
While Farming in Heels was not part of a conventional career plan, agriculture has always been central to Kamohelo’s journey. As she spent more time in the sector, she began to notice a broader pattern.
Many young people, particularly women, viewed agriculture as a last resort. Few saw it as a viable or innovative career path. That realisation pushed her to expand her role beyond farming itself. She began focusing on mentoring and inspiring the next generation of agripreneurs.
Through Farming in Heels, she now works to change how agriculture is perceived. The goal is to position it as a space for innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term opportunity.
Measuring growth through impact
For Kamohelo, growth is not measured by scale alone. Instead, she defines it through impact. This includes reaching more agripreneurs, building partnerships that unlock finance and markets, and leveraging technology to improve inclusion.
Growth also means helping people access more resilient value chains. If the agripreneurs being supported are growing sustainably, she believes the organisation is growing as well.
This view has molded her leadership style. One of her biggest lessons has been learning that vision only matters when people feel ownership of it. By aligning and empowering her team, execution becomes stronger and more sustainable.
Balancing leadership and life
Balancing leadership responsibilities with family life is an ongoing process. For Kamohelo, balance is not a fixed achievement. It is something that must be managed continuously.
At different times, different priorities take precedence. What has helped most is being intentional with her time and fully present wherever she is, whether at work or with family.
Advice to the next generation
For young people, especially women in rural areas, who want to enter agriculture but feel unsure where to begin, Kamohelo’s advice is practical. She encourages starting by understanding the opportunities available locally.
Training, apprenticeships and small pilot projects can help build confidence over time. Networks and cooperatives also play an important role. Agriculture, she says, rewards consistency, curiosity and resilience.
Growing impact beyond agribusiness
Beyond entrepreneurship, Farming in Heels is also contributing to food security. Through its foundation, the organisation is building 26 vegetable gardens in schools and clinics across Gauteng. These projects are strengthening access to fresh produce while supporting community resilience.
At its core, Farming in Heels reflects Kamohelo’s belief that agriculture can be modern, inclusive and empowering. This is especially true when women are given the tools, confidence and space to lead.
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