The Soil Remembers Her Hands
The soil remembers her hands is a podcast celebrating South African women who are transforming agriculture and the wine industry from the ground up. Produced by the Graça Machel Trust, the podcast demonstrates how through their hands, we see dignity, employment, and generational change take root—reminding us that when women lead, communities flourish. We are a non-profit organisation whose mission is to advance systemic change so that African women and girls thrive.
The Soil Remembers Her Hands
8. Sibongile Cele - From accountant to agricultural revolutionary
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“Every sale is more than a transaction. It’s food on a plate, dignity restored, and a woman taking her rightful place in the economy.”
Sibongile Cele is an accountant turned social entrepreneur who founded Abundant Wealth Limited and pioneered rooftop farming in Johannesburg, South Africa. Born in Orlando East, Soweto, Sibongile was shaped by a deep connection to food security as her father who was a schoolteacher, established food gardens at local schools. After qualifying as an accountant and running her own financial services business, Sibongile transitioned into agriculture in 2013, inspired by the growing food insecurity she witnessed in urban areas. She founded Abundant Wealth Limited to promote innovative farming methods like hydroponics and rooftop gardening, addressing food shortages and land access challenges for women.
Facebook: Mcebo Fresh Veggie Rooftop Farm