My name is Benjamin Siyabonga Goba. I’m 24 years old, and I was born in Sundumbili Township, located in Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal. I later moved to Durban, where I continued to grow, learn, and shape my dreams. I am a person living with a disability, but I’ve never allowed that to define my limits only to strengthen my purpose.

I hold a Bachelor of Agriculture in Agronomy and a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture, both obtained at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. My passion for agriculture is deeply rooted in a desire to create meaningful change in communities starting with food, sustainability, and empowerment.

Currently, I am an intern at African Conservation Trust, a placement made possible by the Future Farmers Foundation. I now serve as the Acting Assistant Project Manager for a community farming project in Msunduzi. This initiative focuses on equipping local people with farming skills, boosting food security, and creating employment opportunities. We assist in establishing backyard gardens, train young people in sustainable agriculture, and support households in producing their own food.

Farming is beautiful, but it’s not without its challenges. In Msunduzi, we’ve had to navigate unpredictable weather, soil degradation, and limited access to resources. One major hurdle was water scarcity, which we’ve tackled by introducing rainwater harvesting systems and educating communities on water-wise techniques like mulching and intercropping. We’ve also focused on climate-resilient crops, which help improve yields and reduce the risk of food insecurity.

Living with a disability has made my journey even more unique. There were times when it felt like people saw my limitation before they saw my potential. But agriculture taught me patience, resilience, and the power of growth, not just of crops, but of people.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Future Farmers Foundation. They didn’t just give me a job, they gave me a platform to lead, to serve, and to dream bigger. I am part of something that matters, and I carry that responsibility with pride.

To the youth of South Africa, especially those in townships like Sundumbili or anyone facing personal challenges: don’t overlook agriculture. Through Future Farmers, you can find mentorship, training, and purpose. It’s not just about farming, it’s about changing lives.

Let’s cultivate more than crops — let’s cultivate hope, one seed at a time.