Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Bhekani Zondo’s journey from rural life in uMswililia near Port Shepstone to a career in agricultural economics is a tale of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Raised in a farming household, he cultivated his passion for agriculture, dreaming of contributing meaningfully to his community and the agricultural sector.
Zondo’s dream took shape when he enrolled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal for a BSc Agricultural Economics. Committed to making a difference in rural development, food security, climate change, and agricultural policy, he received the Potatoes SA bursary in 2018 to pursue an MSc Agricultural Economics.
A Bursary Boost
Receiving the Potatoes SA bursary was a turning point for Zondo. It covered his educational expenses, allowing him to focus on his studies and research without financial stress. He excelled academically, completing his master’s degree cum laude and achieving a first-class pass on his dissertation.
Zondo’s postgraduate journey wasn’t limited to the classroom. He was selected for the prestigious Southern Africa – Towards Inclusive Economic Development Young Scholars programme of the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research.
This allowed him to publish one of his research objectives as a working paper and expand his expertise, laying a foundation for future contributions to the agricultural sector.
A Growing Career
After completing his MSc degree in 2020, Zondo embarked on a career that allowed him to apply his skills and knowledge to real-world challenges in agriculture. His journey began with an internship at the Land Bank in their Commercial Development and Business Banking division. This experience paved the way to a research assistant position at the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), where his hard work and expertise earned him a permanent appointment for the position of agricultural economist within the Trade Research Unit of the Markets and Economic Research Centre in 2022.
Zondo has consistently applied the skills he developed through the Potatoes SA bursary programme. His expertise in statistical analysis, economic principles, market trend analysis, and sustainable agricultural practices has been invaluable in his work at NAMC. As an advocate for smallholder producers, he promotes affordable soil intensification technologies, a vital contribution to rural producers who struggle with high costs.
Zondo’s research has significantly impacted the potato industry. His published findings, presented at several research conferences, offer valuable insights into improving smallholder potato farming through accessible soil enhancement technologies. His contributions underscore the importance of practical solutions that support rural producers, aligning with Potatoes SA’s mission to foster growth within the industry.
Reflecting on the Journey
Zondo expresses deep gratitude for the Potatoes SA bursary, describing it as a “catalyst for personal and professional growth.” The bursary allowed him to achieve his goals and gain skills that increased his employability and enabled him to support his family and community. For him, the bursary was not just financial support but a vital investment in his potential and dreams.
“I highly recommend the Potatoes SA bursary to other students. It is not only the financial support but also the exposure to the industry and career opportunities,” Zondo shares.
He believes the programme should continue expanding its reach and suggests that it could introduce work placements in students’ final year of study, enabling a stronger return on investment for Potatoes SA and a greater industry impact.
Inspiring Future Generations
Zondo’s story is a testament to how the Potatoes SA bursary programme transforms lives, turning dreams into reality. As he continues to advance in agricultural economics, he embodies the success that Potatoes SA envisions for each of its recipients – young professionals equipped with knowledge, experience, and a dedication to positive change in the agricultural sector.
Through his work and research, Zondo is not only giving back to the industry that shaped his career but also inspiring future generations of agricultural leaders. – Rotondwa Raligidima, Potatoes SA
For more information, email the author at rotondwa@potatoes.co.za.