Making a mark on agriculture through education

As we celebrate Women's Month, Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to Dr Hlamalani Ngwenya about her remarkable journey from a home economics teacher to a globally recognised leader in agricultural extension, and the broader agri-food systems. Through resilience, purpose, and a deep belief in people, Ngwenya continues to open doors for women in agriculture.

- 

When Dr Hlamalani Ngwenya says, “Agriculture found me,” she is not speaking in metaphor. Her story, rooted in the fields of education, health, and rural development, is one of unexpected turns, quiet resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of people, especially women, to transform food systems from the inside out.

As South Africa celebrates Women's Month, her journey offers an inspiring example of what it means to lead with integrity, build with intention, and rise with purpose.

FROM HOME ECONOMICS TO BROADER AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS

Raised in a loving, middle-income household as the youngest of six children, Ngwenya always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She was inspired by the community values instilled in her by her parents; a stay-at-home mother and a priest father, whose church work took her to different provinces, and instilled compassion in her.

“My Tsonga name, Hlamalani, means ‘be surprised’, and it really reflects my life journey, that has been filled with many surprises,” she says.

Ngwenya completed her matric at the age of 16 and went on to pursue a four-year Bachelor of Education degree in home economics. Her first job at age 21 was teaching at the very same high school she had attended. By age 23, she proved her mettle when her class secured a 100% matric pass rate. This was also when Ngwenya received her first regional teaching award.

“At that age, I didn’t know what I was doing, to be honest, but the learners passed, and I realised I had something to give,” she says.

Her transition into agriculture came unexpectedly while teaching community development at a college of agriculture. When a post opened in agricultural extension, the principal asked her to take it on.