“My parents keep telling me what a great example I have been to my siblings; to say they are proud is an understatement! This achievement is the best gift I have ever given them. It is overwhelming to see how inspiring my story has become – not only to my family but to the rest of the community in Mkhuhlu Village, Bushbuckridge,” she says.
For her Master’s Ndlovu’s research topic was: The Effectiveness of Agricultural cooperatives towards enhancing food security in rural areas: Mbombela Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province.
She says the findings have proved that agricultural cooperatives are essential for improving local food security, even though they are constrained by many operative challenges, such as lack of agricultural inputs and institutional support.
“Cooperative farmers play an important role in agricultural production, distribution, and support for their rural community’s long-term food security. There is potential for the development of cooperative strategies that benefit livelihood activities, as well as advocates for more sustainable food security programmes that will increase income and food security,” she adds.
Ndlovu further says the study presented that, besides a lack of agricultural inputs and institutional support, there are more threats to the development of agricultural cooperatives in rural areas, such as poor infrastructure, a lack of productive resources, and poor market and information access, all of which must be addressed.
“Thus, agricultural cooperatives require a solution-oriented formula to improve extension support services in addressing the challenges hindering the achievement of livelihood outcomes.”
She says the study maintained that institutional support services must improve the provision of agricultural inputs and focus on enabling access to funding for agricultural cooperatives. It further suggested that the structure of public support services re-align to the specific needs of agricultural cooperatives.
Ndlovu’s first article of her Master’s Dissertation, is published by Technium Social Sciences Accredited Journal.
“To publish a peer-reviewed article from my Master’s work in an accredited journal is a big milestone for me because it demonstrates the quality of my dissertation. I am on the right track. I am very inspired because publishing means I have contributed to the body of knowledge globally,” she continues.
“This is a big achievement and the proudest moment for me, a Cum Laude was anticipated. To become a good scholar or researcher who will add a creative value to the sum of knowledge within the institution and on a global space.”
Importance of mentorship
Ndlovu attributes much of her success to having great mentors.“I was truly fortunate to have a supervisor as supportive and professional as Dr Mandla Masuku. His motivation, encouragement and patience deeply inspired me to publish articles from my Master’s work. Dr Masuku also taught me the methodology to carry out the research and clearly present my work. Together with Dr Masuku we plan to publish even more articles moving forward,” she continues.
“I believe this is just the beginning of many. I am looking forward to registering my PhD next year. I want to pursue my PhD studies with any institution of my choice and by God’s grace I hope to become one of the future leaders of this institution mainly because I want to inspire young people to believe in their dreams and capabilities. ”
Ndlovu’s goal was to complete her degree in record time and with a distinction. She is extremely grateful for the support she has received from everyone, especially her family.
“My advice to other students: discipline and respect. It is what got me here. At postgraduate level you feel like there is enough time to do everything, but stay on course. Communicate and consult with your supervisor often because you need guidance.”
Ndlovu is amongst the first cohorts of Academic Talent Stewardship Fellows at UMP. Ndlovu was part of the University tutorship and is the recipient of the Vice-Chancellor Scholarship Mentorship Programme from 2017 to 2019. She also worked as a Resident Student Assistant at student housing.
“I am an extremely optimistic and energetic leader. I was responsible for using entrepreneurial action to improve the quality and standard of living in rural communities in Mpumalanga. Impact, influence, and inspiration have been the key drivers of my excellence.”
@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures ChrisplPhoto.