My name is Lumka Digashu. I am 35 years old and the Founder and CEO of Accuwoman Holdings. I am a passionate farmer and entrepreneur rooted in the fertile lands of Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. My journey in agriculture started in 2016, and it has been one of resilience, innovation, and commitment to the land and the people who depend on it.
I currently lease 260 hectares of land in Kokstad, where I cultivate a variety of crops, including yellow maize, cabbages, spinach, potatoes, and mhlonyana—a treasured Indigenous South African plant known for its medicinal properties. In addition to crop production, I also run a cattle farming operation dedicated to beef production.
Beyond Kokstad, my agricultural footprint extends into the Eastern Cape, where I lease additional land to grow grains, sugar beans, and yellow maize. As part of my vision for expansion, I am exploring an exciting cross-border collaboration with a Zambian partner to cultivate 1,000 hectares of pigeon peas, further strengthening regional agricultural ties.
In total, I manage approximately 2,000 hectares of leased farmland across the two provinces, a testament to my unwavering dedication to large-scale, sustainable farming. My focus is not only on food production but also on implementing innovative farming techniques that ensure long-term productivity while benefiting local communities.
Agriculture, for me, is more than just business—it is a platform for empowerment and transformation. As the Founder and CEO of Accuwoman Holdings, I lead a dynamic agricultural enterprise that is committed to advancing food security and economic opportunities in rural areas.
Recognizing the importance of women in agriculture, I proudly serve as the Chairperson of the District Women in Agriculture and Rural Development (WARD) program. In this role, I advocate for increased female participation in farming, ensuring that women have access to resources, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in the sector.
Beyond gender empowerment, I am deeply invested in youth development. As the Chairperson of the Youth Council in the Greater Kokstad Municipality, I work tirelessly to engage young people in meaningful initiatives, equipping them with the skills, mentorship, and encouragement needed to become future leaders in agriculture and beyond.
My journey as a farmer and leader is driven by a deep-seated belief in sustainable agricultural practices, community development, and generational empowerment. Every seed planted is a step toward food security, every young farmer mentored is a promise of a thriving future, and every woman empowered is a victory for inclusive growth.
Through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering determination, I strive to transform rural communities, uplift aspiring farmers, and shape an agricultural landscape where everyone—regardless of gender or age—has a place to grow and succeed.
