Page 30 - DUT CONNECT - Spring 2024

A Journey of Resilience and Connection: The Story of Ntobeko Mafu
Ntobeko Mafu is justifiably proud to be called a mentor and food security activist. In today’s dire international and domestic economic climate, is there anything more honourable than to want to provide food to communities? But being a farmer and a trainer in agriculture are just two aspects of this energetic young woman. Ntobeko is also a published author, public speaker, mother, and an award-winning entrepreneur. Ntobeko lives her life according to her motto “I aspire to inspire before I expire”.
Early Life
Born into a complex and tumultuous family environment, Ntobeko navigated the challenges of growing up in a home marked by gender-based violence. As the youngest of many siblings, she often found herself in the position of understanding and mediating within her family. Ntobeko’s academic journey was non-traditional; she frequently changed schools which made it difficult to form lasting friendships, leading her to find solace in school libraries. Upon completing her secondary education, she was accepted into the American Business and Technology University in Missouri. However, familial obligations and her father’s illness prevented her from pursuing this opportunity, compelling her to take on the role of his caregiver during his final months.
Ntobeko’s Ties with DUT
Determined to continue her education despite these setbacks, Ntobeko enrolled at DUT in Human Resources Management. Initially, it seemed like a mere happenstance, but it soon became
apparent that she was precisely where she needed to be. DUT’s emphasis on innovative thinking and future planning through its ENVISION2030 motto resonated deeply with her, igniting a passion for lifelong learning and personal development.
Her time at DUT was marked by rigorous academic work and part-time employment, balancing roles as a cashier and various other positions to support herself.The challenges of completing a three-year diploma and an additional one-year advanced diploma in HRM while managing personal responsibilities were immense. Nonetheless, Ntobeko thrived, participating in multiple development programmes and winning a writing competition. In 2021, Ntobeko published her first book, Letters to Whoever Needs to Hear This: Notes from Me to You. This accomplishment was pivotal, setting the stage for future success in business and public speaking.
Her affiliation with DUT also led her to represent South Africa at a Model United Nations conference in Bangkok,Thailand, where she discussed food insecurity.These milestones are a testament to her hard work and determination. Ntobeko is candid about what it takes to succeed: “Nothing came easy for me. I worked extra hard for everything I ever attained. I didn’t sleep, practising pitches, writing proposals and attending multiple development programmes, driven by the dream of being an entrepreneurial, innovative, adaptive individual.”
Career and Daily Life
Ntobeko has utilised her writing, public speaking and HR skills in her 3-fold business Madame Clucks A Lot. She says the business is best described as a “sustainable free range broiler production and organic crop production farm that specialises in training and development”.
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