Kwandokuhle Enterprises, also known as Kwandokuhle Kuyofezekah, is a growing agricultural business in The Gleneland. It started as a small venture fueled by a love for agriculture that Zimele Dladla, the founder, inherited from his grandparents. The business specializes in providing high-quality chickens and fresh, locally grown cabbages, both of which have become staples in the community. However, like many entrepreneurs starting from scratch, Zimele’s journey into agriculture was not without its challenges.
"Lack of employment was the reason we started the business," Zimele explains. "But more than that, it was the passion for farming that our grandparents instilled in us." For him, agriculture was not just a means to survive but a deeply rooted way of life passed down through generations. The simplicity and fulfilment of working the land felt natural, almost like a calling. However, the harsh realities of starting and maintaining an agricultural business quickly became apparent.
One of the toughest hurdles Kwandokuhle Enterprises faces is transportation. In order to get their products to customers, Zimele and his team have to hire transportation services. “Hiring transportation is expensive,” he admits. "We go door to door for customers each and every day." This daily hustle is both physically and financially draining. The market for their products isn’t always guaranteed, and sometimes, after long, exhausting days, the returns barely cover costs. The unpredictability of securing a consistent market adds another layer of stress to the already challenging business.
Despite these obstacles, Zimele maintains a positive outlook. “Starting a business from scratch is expensive and draining," he says. "We’ve had a lot of losses, mostly because of inexperience.” In the early days, many mistakes were made, and those mistakes often came at a steep financial cost. Whether it was overestimating demand, underestimating the costs of supplies, or miscalculating the time and effort needed for distribution, each misstep was a learning opportunity. "But as time passes, you learn that a loss is a lesson," Zimele reflects, adding that the real cost isn’t just financial. The emotional and physical toll can be equally draining. "But it comes at a cost, obviously."
Yet, what keeps Kwandokuhle Enterprises going is not just the desire for financial success but a deep-seated passion for agriculture. Zimele embodies resilience, holding onto the belief that once you start something, you finish it, no matter how difficult the journey. "The passion and drive for agriculture keep us going. The motto is, you never start something and not finish it." That philosophy has become the backbone of his work ethic, pushing him to get up every day, even when the odds seem stacked against him.
The Gleneland community has come to appreciate Kwandokuhle Enterprises not just for the quality of their chickens and cabbages, but for the tenacity and dedication behind the brand. Word of mouth has slowly grown their customer base, and despite the hurdles of transportation and fluctuating market demand, Zimele’s efforts are beginning to pay off. More people are coming to recognize the value of fresh, locally grown produce, and his consistent work is starting to build trust within the community.
In the face of adversity, Zimele remains hopeful. His grandparents' lessons continue to guide him, reminding him why he started the business in the first place. With every delivery made and each crop harvested, Kwandokuhle Enterprises moves closer to its goal of becoming a staple in the local agricultural scene. And though the road has been rough, Zimele knows that perseverance, passion, and patience will eventually bring the success he's been working so hard for.
As Zimele puts it, "A loss may be a lesson, but it doesn’t define the end. We’re just getting started.