My name is Marcia Mabona, and I am from a place called KwaNdebele in Mpumalanga. I studied Animal Science at the Tshwane University of Technology, and I have been part of the Roadgrass family since 2015. I was promoted to Assistant Manager in 2019 and again to Manager in 2021 and currently serve as the General Manager.
Before joining Roadgrass, I was a stay-at-home mom. I started studying in 2010 while I was pregnant, and even though it was difficult, I never gave up. I completed the theoretical part of my studies but struggled to find placement for my practical work. It was only in 2015 that I finally got the opportunity to complete my practicals — and that’s when my journey with Roadgrass began.
When I first arrived at Roadgrass, I had never worked before, so the adjustment was tough. I came here as a student, and working in a team was a completely new experience for me. I still remember my first few days — they were hard. I actually got fired after two days.
It wasn’t because I didn’t know what I was doing, but because I didn’t show confidence in what I knew. When Annemarie asked me questions in front of others, I was too shy to answer and simply said, “I don’t know.” Later, she called me aside and asked what I was really doing. I explained it to her, and she told me that it was actually good work. She asked why I hadn’t said that earlier, and I told her it was because I was shy.
That moment changed my entire journey. She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself at the time. I always say that if she hadn’t called me back, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It was the first time someone challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, and I’m so grateful for that lesson.
From that point, everything started to shift. I moved from being a student doing practicals to being employed full-time, and today I’m proud to be the General Manager of two sites.
When I was young, I actually wanted to be a Chartered Accountant. But as I grew older, I realised that accounting wasn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy it, so I shifted to science. Deep down, though, I think I always wanted to be in agriculture. When I was about 12 or 13, I told my friends I wanted to be a farmer — but at that age, people laughed and said that farming was for those who had “nothing else to do.” So I hid that dream for a long time.
When I applied for university, I went straight into Agriculture. My grades weren’t perfect, but I knew it was what I loved, and that made all the difference.
Today, looking back, I’ve grown so much — not just in my career, but as a person. I started out shy and uncertain, and now I lead people with confidence and care. I’ve learned how to manage, how to communicate, and how to stay calm under pressure.
What I enjoy most about my work is being inside the houses. The chickens can’t talk, but working there gives me peace. Even though my role now keeps me more focused on management, I still feel most connected when I’m close to the production side. I’ve realised I’m not someone who likes big crowds — I prefer quiet spaces where I can focus and get things done.
Roadgrass means so much to me. It’s not just a job — it’s where I’ve been groomed and grown. I was the first person here to move up through the company and be promoted, and I think that showed others that hard work truly pays off. Now, we have more managers who started as students, just like I did. That’s something I’m really proud of.
What makes Roadgrass different from other companies is the opportunity to learn. Here, you’re allowed to make mistakes — as long as you’re willing to learn from them. If you want to grow, you will grow. The work culture is fun, supportive, and team-driven.
When we set goals, we work together to reach them. Even when there are misunderstandings or tough days, we find a way to come together and get the job done. If I had to describe Roadgrass in three words, I’d say: Helping, Fun, and Tough. We help each other, we laugh together, and we face challenges head-on.
This farm means everything to me because it’s where I truly found myself. When I came here, I didn’t have much confidence — but over time, I discovered my strength and purpose.
One of the people who influenced me most was the late Ashley Mabogoane. He believed in me when no one else did. Growing up, I didn’t get a lot of support from home — especially after becoming a teenage mom. But Ashley made me feel seen. He believed in me and reminded me that I could achieve great things. That belief changed me completely.
From Molly and Lerato, I’ve learned the importance of kindness. No matter what happens, they treat people with care and respect. They’ve shown me what compassionate leadership looks like — strong, but gentle. It’s something I try to reflect in how I lead others too.
The legacy I want to leave behind is one of good leadership — to show that being a leader doesn’t mean being aggressive or harsh. It means guiding people, treating them well, and helping them grow.
One of my proudest achievements is helping over 120 students graduate through Roadgrass. I want that number to keep growing. I want the next generation to experience the same opportunities I had — and to go even further.
What keeps me here, even through the hard days, is gratitude. I’m thankful for everything this company has done for me. At times, I’ve felt that I need to give back — to return the favour by continuing to work hard and help others succeed.
When I came here, I didn’t have much confidence — but over time, I discovered my strength and purpose.
My typical day starts early, around 5:30 in the morning. I wake up, get my kids ready for school, and prepare for work. I like to plan ahead — usually, what I’ll do today is something I already started preparing for yesterday.
Now that I manage two sites, my day is all about communication and coordination — checking who needs help, making sure everything is running smoothly, and supporting my teams where it’s needed most. Some days, I prepare for night shifts, other days for day shifts — it all depends on what’s happening on the farm.
If I could speak directly to anyone reading my story, I would say this: life on the farm is good. You learn so much — not just about work, but about yourself. You gain skills, discipline, and appreciation for simple, honest living. Working on a farm teaches you how to manage your life and your money better.
For me, Roadgrass isn’t just a place of work. It’s where I’ve learned, grown, and found family. It’s home.