Page 29 - DUT CONNECT - Spring 2024

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
The delightfully named Madame Clucks A Lot, with an equally delightful website, reflects her passion for sustainable and organic farming, specialising in free-range broiler production and crop cultivation. “The farmer title is the one I carry with the most pride, simply because I know I am operating beyond my purpose by feeding people healthy non-genetically modified foods and empowering them with the knowledge of growing their own food too,” says Ntobeko.
Ntobeko’s burgeoning business acumen is starting to rake in awards. Notably, she recently received accreditation as a Mentor, Facilitator and Presenter from the International Agricultural Academy for Africa in crop production. She was a Bevisioneers, the Mercedes Benz fellowship fellow of the 2023/4 Cohort, for which she won a prize. Ntobeko is currently a participant of the Anzisha Prize Fellowship (which successfully supports and champions young entrepreneurs for over 10 years).This further exemplifies her commitment to personal and professional growth.
In September 2023, Ntobeko curated and hosted a free farming training for her community, “Spring Day Farm Day”, with over 60 participants, and the likes of Alex Mthiyane from Gagasi FM and many more big names in attendance, in the rural area of Nhlazatshe location.The day focused on crop production, broiler production, financial management and opportunity sharing. In July 2024, Ntobeko was nominated an “Unsung Hero of 2024” by Sunday World News in the category of agriculture, mining, sustainability, and the environment.
Ntobeko balances her many roles as a farmer, writer, public speaker, and entrepreneur. Her daily routine is a testament to her dedication and discipline, starting early in the morning with agricultural activities and family responsibilities before transitioning to business operations.As a mother to a six-year- old son, she strives to maintain a work-life balance, dedicating time to her family while working tirelessly to grow her business. Her role as a mentor for the National Youth Development Agency allows her to give back to the community, supporting the development of young entrepreneurs.
The Power of Connection
The theme of “The Power of Connection” resonates profoundly with Ntobeko. For her, connections are synonymous with free- dom and opportunity. She believes that connecting with one’s purpose and aligning with supportive individuals is crucial for
personal and professional advancement. Her time at DUT ex- emplified this belief, as she leveraged the resources and net- works available to her, resulting in significant opportunities and achievements. Ntobeko expresses,“When they say “DUT 4 LIFE ... this is not only among ourselves as alumni but also with DUT as an entity itself.This magazine is an example of that commu- nity.”
Her message to today’s youth is one of empowerment and resilience:“Your circumstance is not your identity. Only you have the power to change the trajectory of your life ... Stand in your power, look beyond your circumstance and don’t let anybody in this world tell you how to be you.”
Her life philosophy, “I aspire to inspire before I expire,” encapsulates her commitment to making a positive impact on others.
Upon completing her secondary education, she was accepted into the American Business and Technology University in Missouri.
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