The inspiration section of Bizmag continues to spotlight entrepreneurs who are quietly transforming communities and driving economic growth across South Africa. Among them is Nokuthula Makhubedu, founder of NM Farm Fresh — a business that has grown from selling live chickens at a local market 9 years ago, into a fully operational factory and abattoir employing over 76 people.
Her journey has not been without challenges. From navigating the realities of the informal market to overcoming biosecurity risks, compliance hurdles and load shedding, Nokuthula’s path reflects what is required to build a sustainable business in South Africa.
A recent recipient of the Tholoana Award by the SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme, Nokuthula shares her journey, and the lessons behind what it takes to achieve scalable growth.
Bizmag interview with Nokuthula Makhubede, Founder of NM Farm Fresh
Q: Take us back to the beginning — what inspired you to start NM Farm Fresh?
I used to work in the coal mines as a Sustainability Manager, where part of my role was developing community projects. It always puzzled me how communities with land and farming backgrounds struggled to succeed, even with financial support.
I started farming out of curiosity, but also to create an additional income stream. My model was simple: buy day-old chicks, grow them, and sell them at the market. But I quickly realised it wasn’t that easy.
I could spend an entire day at the market and sell only one or two chickens when I needed to sell 50. Sometimes chickens would only sell at week 12, even though they were ready at week 6. The informal market is tough — buyers dictate the price, and the constant negotiation was exhausting.
Q: When did you realise the business could become something bigger?
I had started casually in 2017, but everything changed during COVID-19. I lost all my mining contracts in 2020, and my family had to rely entirely on the farm.
I began supplying higher-end customers in Witbank, delivering directly to them. There was no negotiation — if the product met their standards, they paid. That’s when production increased and the business became profitable.
I only formally registered NM Farm Fresh in 2024, after going through the SAB Foundation’s Tholoana Enterprise Programme and realising the importance of proper structures.
Q: What were some of the toughest challenges you faced in the poultry industry?
Load shedding had a major impact. Day-old chicks are extremely sensitive to cold, and we lost entire flocks — sometimes up to 2,000 birds. We moved off-grid with solar, and later received support to upgrade our system, which allowed us to run our abattoir efficiently.
Avian flu was another major setback. We couldn’t source chicks for several months, effectively shutting down operations.
Compliance was also a huge obstacle that comes with a lot of red tape. Entering the commercial market means acquiring and maintaining multiple licences and approvals. Every step of shelving a product comes at a price. It’s a long and expensive process, but necessary for growth.
Q: What triggered your decision to pivot and seek mentorship?
The business was making money, but I felt uneasy. We hadn’t defined our market — we were selling to anyone, sometimes at a loss.
Through mentorship, we clarified our product and brand positioning. It became clear that we had outgrown the informal market. That’s when we invested more in the abattoir and became intentional about our customers.
Q: How did the Tholoana Programme influence your growth?
The biggest lesson was the importance of systems and structures. We had to formalise processes, standardise operations, and understand our costs.
Having a clear vision — and making sure the entire team understands it — changed everything. When people align with the vision, performance improves.
Q: What changes had the biggest impact on scaling your business?
We partnered with 76 farmers who now grow chickens for us. This allows them to scale their own businesses while supplying us.
We also expanded into agro-processing, which improved profitability by turning live chickens into retail-ready products.
Farming is a numbers game. The cost difference between raising 200 and 2,000 chickens isn’t as big as people think — scale matters.
Q: What has been the biggest shift from being a solo entrepreneur to leading a team?
In the beginning, you do everything yourself. But growth requires bringing in experts.
I’ve had to accept that others are better than me in some areas, like finance and HR for instance. Holding on too tightly means that I can become the bottleneck that stifles growth and progress.
Leadership is about knowing when to step back and let the business grow beyond you.
Q: What systems have helped you build a sustainable business?
Our operations are built around a circular economy:
- Waste becomes energy through biogas
- Food waste becomes fertiliser
- Grey water is reused for irrigation
- Crop waste feeds livestock
We also prioritise compliance, renewable energy, and efficient resource use. Sustainability is not a trend for us — it’s how we operate.
Q: What does creating employment in your community mean to you?
It means dignity. When you employ one person, you’re impacting an entire family.
We aim to build not just a business, but a community. We house some employees, support families, and want to eventually offer bursaries and additional benefits.
This is bigger than just a business.
Q: What should entrepreneurs know before entering agriculture or food production?
Farming is a business — not a hobby. You cannot keep a cow for 5 years and call yourself a farmer, unless that cow is giving you a calf a year, then it is an investment.
Start small and grow steadily. You don’t need perfect conditions to begin. There’s also a full value chain — you don’t have to farm; you can process or distribute. For example, the jam bottling company does not necessarily grow the apricots they use in the jam. The atchaar you see shelved in the stores is not necessarily made by the mango farmer. Find your strength in the value chain and maximise on it.
And most importantly: collaborate. Bulk buying/sourcing reduces costs and increases opportunities. In chicken farming for instance, bagged feed is more expensive than feed delivered in tons. So, group purchases could lead to huge savings. Also collaborate on the markets. You don’t have to ‘own’ your customers or have a direct contract with them. Leverage on farmer groups and group strength/power.
Q: How do you maintain quality and compliance?
Compliance is non-negotiable. We are regularly audited, and failing would mean shutting down. So our daily operations are built around maintaining those standards.
Q: What has kept you going during difficult times?
Entrepreneurship is lonely, but the Tholoana Programme gave me a strong support network.
My husband has also been a constant source of support. And farm life helps — I walk, reflect, and stay grounded.
Q: How has your mindset evolved from starting out, to where you are today?
I started this as a side hustle. Today, it’s a business that supports families, partners and communities.
So it’s no longer just about me — it is making an impact on many: A market for our growers, a business partner for our clients and dream for our team. I am proud of the strides we have made to date, and I am excited about our future as we grow our footprint in and around Nkangala District, Mpumalanga province, and eventually South Africa.
Q: What advice do you have for someone starting with very little resources?
Start where you are, with what you have. You don’t need a farm to start farming. Begin small, test your model, build a market, and grow from there.
Q: What are your top three pieces of advice for entrepreneurs?
- Your business should solve a problem. Many businesses fail because they build something interesting, not something needed.
- Cashflow is more important than profit. Track cash in and out on a monthly basis. Avoid investing too early (fancy offices, equipment etc.). Build systems that generate consistent income, not just big sales.
- Start small, learn fast, adapt quickly. Trying to be perfect may kill your momentum. The best entrepreneurs launch early and improve as they go. Test, learn, adjust and repeat!
Q: What is your vision for NM Farm Fresh over the next five years?
We’re expanding our grower capacity, increasing our retail presence in Mpumalanga, and developing new product lines.
Q: What impact do you hope your story has?
If I can inspire even one woman to look beyond her worries and start a business – any business – I’ve done my job.
A lot of people called me crazy for quitting a career as an Environmental Scientist to sell chickens, but today that business is changing lives. We need more stories like this to reshape agriculture in South Africa.
Q: In closing, if you could go back and tell your younger self one thing, what would that be?
You’re not crazy — well maybe just a little! Entrepreneurship takes faith, courage and resilience. The struggles were not setbacks — they were simply redirection.
