Full Name: Yolanda Mbali Maphalala

Position and Company Name: Founder and CEO of Isithelo Esihle Ecological Farm

Main Activity of the Company: Isithelo Esihle Ecological Farm is a sustainable, scalable and socially impactful agricultural enterprise in KwaZulu-Natal

Date and Place of Birth: June 29, 1998, in Zwelisha, Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal

Schools and Tertiary Education: Matric, Burnwood Secondary School; BSc Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State (UFS); BSc (Hons) Agricultural Economics, UFS

First Job: Research assistant at UFS

Size of First Pay Packet: My first pay cheque was R3 500 a month, and I remember receiving it with great pride and emotion. It wasn’t about the amount but rather the validation it represented: the beginning of my professional journey, a sense of independence, and the joy of seeing my efforts formally recognised

Career Path to Date: My career began in academic research, which equipped me with analytical rigour and a deep curiosity about agricultural innovation. Transitioning into entrepreneurship, I established my own ecological farm, applying both research insights and lived community experience. My path is one of purpose-driven leadership, blending innovation, sustainability and social impact

Value of Assets under Your Control: My car and 20 ha of land

Number of People under Your Leadership: Seven seasonal workers

Management Style: My management style is inclusive, purpose-led, and empathetic. I believe in empowering others, fostering collaboration and encouraging open communication

Personal Best Achievement: Launching Isithelo Esihle Ecological Farm stands out as my most meaningful accomplishment. It represents a vision turned into reality – a business rooted in sustainability, community upliftment and climate resilience. It is also a deeply personal project, born from my identity, values and desire to be a change agent in agriculture

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Zondile Hlatshwayo, whose mentorship and belief in my potential guided me through pivotal decisions and inspired confidence in moments of uncertainty. His influence extended beyond professional advice; it shaped my leadership mindset

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: I have already met everyone I dreamed of meeting

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Thabi Nkosi, agricultural economist and managing partner at African Green Alpha, a food value chain private-equity fund she co-founded in 2019. Her profound insights into agricultural economics, strategic thinking and bold leadership inspire me deeply

Philosophy of Life: Live purposefully, act with integrity and leave a legacy that uplifts others

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Being selected as a Top 10 Winner for the Metropolitan Collective Shapers

Biggest Ever Disappointment: The impact of climate change on agriculture continues to be deeply disheartening. Witnessing the toll it takes on smallholder farmers and ecosystems reinforces the urgency of innovation, resilience planning and environmental advocacy in our work

Hope for the Future: I envision a future where agriculture is not only a tool for food security but a force for climate action, youth employment and inclusive economic growth

Favourite Reading: Diary of a CEO, by Steven Bartlett

Favourite TV Programme: The Sandman – it’s imaginative and layered, much like the complexities of life and leadership

Favourite Food/Drink: A good braai plate – it reminds me of home, family and celebration

Favourite Music: Deep House and Gqom, genres that root me in my culture and uplift my spirit, wherever I am in the world

Favourite Sport: Hiking – it allows me to connect with nature, reflect deeply and recharge mentally

Hobbies: Learning a new skill – I prioritise learning something new each month and work towards mastering it as time goes by

Car: Opel Corsa

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Dishonesty, poor communication and environmental disregard

Married: Not yet

Children: None

Clubs: I am part of Bergville Farmers, where we keep each other updated on the latest progress in the season, and assist each other where challenges arise and collaboration is necessary