Meet Thulile Sikhosana
Thulile Sikhosana recently joined the team at Agri SA in the role of Administrator in the Labour Center of Excellence. Born and raised in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Thuli builds her life on morals and principles. We asked her a few questions to get to know her better.
What does the path you’ve walked to this point look like?
The path to this point has been very challenging, I completed my Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Kwa Zulu-Natal in 2018. I then undertook articles of Clerkship in the litigation and Land Restitution space. I remained in that position for 3 years before taking a sabbatical to complete my admission procedures. I think it has shaped me to become a very resilient and strong person. It has been quite a journey that I believe has assisted me to become a very determined and ambitious individual.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned so far?
The most important lesson is that you must fight for what you believe in. Life does not just happen; you have to happen to Life. I believe in standing strong and being morally sound in all of your decisions. The most important thing is to always be humble but hard-working.
What is your advice to young people considering a career in agriculture?
I think firstly, find a way to familiarize yourself with the workings of the sector, whether through TV programs or just general knowledge. Find out what the space needs in terms of critical skills that way you will be able to forge a niche for yourself and find out what entrepreneurial opportunities there are so that you will widen your vision and scope. There is always a space for you.
What makes agriculture special?
I think it’s a very interesting and dynamic sector. I love the legal and agro-business environment. I am excited to grow and learn.
How would you define “farmer”?
I believe a farmer is a hard-working, determined self-starter who uses God-given land and resources to forge a path for himself in life. It is a very admirable vocation. I think that farmers are very courageous individuals who embody the entrepreneurial spirit.
Your dream for agriculture in South Africa?
My dream for agriculture in South Africa is to build a strong and vibrant economy where the farmer is taken care of legislatively and where the government is intentional about helping the farmer build a sustainable and robust commercial environment.
About yourself – favourite colour, meal, and motto for life
Well, I am a Christian lady, raised in the small coastal town of Port Shepstone and bred in Durban, I am deeply patriotic and staunch on morality and principle. I love red and my motto in life is to surround yourself with the people who are worthy of helping you build your destiny.
What does your job involve?
My Role as a Labour Administrator is very much founded on the bedrock of Stakeholder relationship management. I play a pivotal role in driving the interests of the agricultural sector in negotiation and in a mandated manner. I engage with stakeholders on policy with a view to help strengthen the Agricultural business constituency in AgriSA, with the objective to assist us to become a strong sector and help to remove some impediments to that growth.
By the Editorial Team