Ipeleng Kwadi-Seboni, the co-owner of Seboni Agri Farms and the provincial chairperson of Youth in Agriculture and Rural Development (YARD) in the North West, is a passionate advocate for youth in trade and policy discussions. She holds an MBA from North West University Business School and combines hands-on farming with strategic leadership, shaping both her community and the broader agricultural landscape. Alongside her husband, Ipeleng manages a thriving cattle farm, overseeing animal nutrition, welfare, and market access. She also drives sustainable supply chains and mentors in-service agricultural students through workplace training and exposure. Her days are balanced between animal care, staff management, and youth-focused capacity building, ensuring the farm is both productive and socially impactful. Her passion for agriculture started during childhood on a family farm in Brits, where she learned the value of land and food production. Today, her mission is to position young people as innovators and leaders in agriculture, transforming perceptions of farming from a subsistence to an entrepreneurial endeavour. Beyond the farm, Ipeleng’s advocacy for youth in trade and policy discussions, including on platforms such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is inspiring. Her unique blend of farmer, mentor, and continental voice positions her as a driving force for youth empowerment, food security, and sustainable agricultural development.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Education, North West University, Mahikeng Campus
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), North West University Business School – Potchefstroom Campus
ACHIEVEMENTS
One of the achievements I am most proud of is being selected to take part in the A Reyeng Brazil programme, which gave me the opportunity to explore international agricultural practices, broaden my perspective, and bring back valuable insights to strengthen local initiatives. Another highlight has been hosting international agricultural students from South Dakota University, in partnership with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), for the past three years. This ongoing collaboration has created a platform for knowledge exchange, cultural learning, and practical exposure—not only enriching the students’ experience in South Africa but also strengthening local farming practices through shared expertise. These milestones reflect my commitment to positioning agriculture as a global, collaborative, and youth-driven sector that builds bridges across communities and countries.
