What we are all about
Discover a range of various technical and hands on skills around farming, food security, goat farming and many key skills that aim at preserving methods for taking care of our animals and the land we so need to use effectivly.
Mr Sizwe Thusi Founder - Ndlebenkomo Academy
Sizwe Thusi is a rural development advocate and agricultural practitioner committed to empowering rural communities through practical agricultural education and livestock development. He is the founder of Ndlebenkomo Academy, a rural-based social enterprise that focuses on accredited agricultural learnerships, farmer training, and enterprise development for rural youth and smallholder farmers.
Born into a farming family, Sizwe is the son of a small-scale sugarcane farmer, the late Mr. Mandlenkosi Thusi. Growing up in a rural environment shaped his understanding of agriculture as both a livelihood and a foundation for community development.
Before focusing fully on agriculture and rural development, Sizwe worked as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. His transition into agriculture was driven by his passion for rural empowerment and sustainable farming systems.
Sizwe has pursued extensive studies and professional development in agriculture, rural development, and training. His qualifications and areas of study include:
Sizwe has pursued extensive studies and professional development in agriculture, rural development, and training. His qualifications and areas of study include:
In addition to his agricultural training, Sizwe is also qualified as a Facilitator, Assessor, and Moderator, enabling him to train and develop farmers and learners within accredited programmes. He has further completed specialized livestock and breeding courses including the Brahman Instructor Course and the Profitable Boer Goat Course. Sizwe also studied Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Zululand, strengthening his work in building sustainable rural enterprises.
 As a livestock breeder, Sizwe focuses on indigenous goat genetics, breeding both Nguni-type goats and Cape Skilder goats. His breeding philosophy emphasizes the preservation and improvement of hardy indigenous breeds that are well adapted to Southern African environments. Through Ndlebenkomo Academy, Sizwe continues to champion alternative rural education pathways that combine practical training, indigenous knowledge, and modern agricultural practices to improve livelihoods, strengthen rural economies, and create opportunities for future generations of farmers.
Vision
Mission
Hosting of NQF Level 2–4 Learnerships
Ndlebenkomo Academy hosts accredited NQF Level 2–4 learnership programmes tailored for rural and remote communities. These programmes combine classroom-based theory with intensive hands-on practical training, fully aligned with industry standards and relevant SETA requirements. Training is delivered within rural settings to ensure accessibility and direct community impact.
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Small Stock Management Training
We provide practical, skills-based training in sustainable small stock production, with a strong focus on goats and other small livestock. Training covers nutrition, housing, health management, breeding basics, and productivity improvement, enabling farmers to improve herd performance, food security, and income generation.
Basic Veterinary Medicine Training
This introductory animal health programme equips smallholder farmers and emerging livestock practitioners with essential veterinary skills. Training includes disease prevention, vaccination protocols, parasite control, basic treatment procedures, biosecurity, and animal welfare best practices suitable for rural farming conditions.
Advanced Goat Breeding Training
Our advanced goat breeding programme focuses on improving herd quality and commercial viability. Topics include goat genetics, breeding systems, reproductive management, performance record keeping, and herd improvement strategies suited to both communal and commercial farming systems.
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Plant Production Short Courses (High-Value Crops)
We offer short courses in plant production with a focus on high-value crops, including coffee farming. Training covers crop establishment, soil preparation, nursery management, basic irrigation, pest and disease management, and post-harvest handling, targeting diversification and increased farm income.
In-Service Training for University and College Students
Ndlebenkomo Academy provides in-service training opportunities for university and TVET college students in agriculture and related fields. Students gain practical, field-based experience in livestock and plant production within real rural farming environments.
Farmer Partnership and Network Development
We actively partner with smallholder and emerging farmers to build a strong, collaborative farmer network. This network promotes knowledge sharing, collective learning, mentorship, market access, and joint production initiatives aimed at strengthening rural agricultural value chains.
Rural Goat Sellers and Informal Traders Network.
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Ndlebenkomo Academy has established a rural goat sellers and informal traders network connecting smallholder farmers from areas such as Ngwavuma, Ndumo, Sikhemelele, and Msinga to goat traders and emerging breeders. This network enables rural farmers to access reliable markets, sell their goats at fair prices, and generate sustainable income from locally produced livestock. By organising informal producers into a structured trading network, the initiative strengthens rural livelihoods, improves market access, and enhances the economic value of rural agricultural commodities.