Boniwe Mgqalelo
Nominee's Province:
Eastern Cape
Age:
30
Project Name/Description:
Qalabusha
Boniwe Mgqalelo is the founder of Qalabusha, a social enterprise rooted in sustainable agriculture and committed to empowering women and youth in rural communities. Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, Mgqalelo grew up witnessing the daily challenges women face in agriculture — a reality that fueled her mission to create change. With a degree in Internal Auditing, she launched Qalabusha in 2022. The enterprise focuses on implementing eco-friendly farming methods while offering training and employment opportunities to women and young people. Qalabusha has since become a trusted local supplier, providing fresh, sustainably produced food to retailers such as OBC, Boxer, and Spar, as well as local communities. “What drives me is seeing the transformation — when someone we’ve trained gains confidence, earns an income, and finds purpose through this work,” Mgqalelo shares. Despite obstacles like transportation and extreme weather, she remains motivated by her impact and dreams of scaling the initiative further. “If I can access the resources I need, I know I can set this country on fire — in the best way,” she says. Recognised internationally for her contributions, Mgqalelo’s work goes beyond farming. It’s about building resilience, creating access to food security, and uplifting communities. “Each sale we make is more than just business. It’s a step toward a better future for someone.”
