GOGO Elizabeth Khoza lost her leg in a bus accident in 2017.
Although her leg was amputated, this did not stop her from going into farming.
Today, the 64-year-old from Cottondale outside Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, farms beetroot, tomatoes, cabbage, onions, mangoes, oranges, litchis, avocados and paw paws in her backyard.
She started farming in 2002, but stopped after her accident. At the time of the accident, she was working at a saw mill in White River outside Mbombela.
“Farming is in my blood. I love growing different vegetables to feed my children. But I decided to quit to work at the saw mill,” she said.
“In 2017, I was alighting a bus when my leg got trapped on the automatic steps, dragging me underneath. When the driver stopped, it was already too late.
“My leg was badly damaged and amputated after spending a couple of months in hospital,” she said.
Elizabeth said she went back to farming after she was discharged from the hospital and was surprised to receive orders from residents.
She then realised that nothing was impossible and extended her garden three times.
“I use an empty 20L plastic drum when farming in my garden. I sit on it and do my work easily.
“My message to all Mzansi people and those living with disabilities is to stop shaming me. Don’t blame the government for not giving you a job. You must soldier on and work for yourself because there’s no manna from heaven,” she said.
Her granddaughter Nobunhle Mathebula (28) said: “She is my inspiration. Today I have my own poultry farm after learning from her. A business needs heart and perseverance as it has many challenges. I plan to expand into the egg-laying business and employ young people.”
