My name is Sibongile Nyeni, and I am 41 years old. I live in Daviton with my two beautiful daughters. I joined Roadgrass in 2019 as a Financial Officer, and today I proudly serve as the Financial Manager.
Before joining Roadgrass, I worked for B3 Investments Funeral, where I started as a Receptionist and eventually became Treasurer in the finance department. I spent five years there before realising that I wanted to grow as a person and explore new opportunities—something that led me to this chapter of my life.
Growing up, I never imagined myself working in agriculture. Back then, we were mostly encouraged to pursue careers in accounting or business economics. Agriculture wasn’t something many people spoke about, yet as life unfolded, I came to realise how much the agricultural world had to offer—how it could teach you, ground you, and even open the door to land ownership and entrepreneurship.
When I joined Roadgrass, I was stepping into a completely new world. Our offices were situated within 4 Degrees, one of the businesses I had previously worked with in the hospitality space. From the beginning, the environment at Roadgrass was different—it was vibrant, warm, and full of life. Unlike a strict corporate setting, this was a place that valued connection and teamwork.
Those early weeks were filled with excitement as I met new colleagues and learned the ropes of an entirely different industry. Over time, my role evolved drastically—and in the best way possible. I learned the importance of responsibility and accountability, and how to both lead and work within a team. Today, I can manage independently while still guiding others, something that has helped me grow personally and professionally.
My work at Roadgrass has been a continuous journey of growth. My responsibilities have expanded, and with that, I’ve developed leadership skills I never imagined I’d have. Every day teaches me how to engage with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
In my role, I’ve learned to listen, to understand, and to lead with empathy. The changes I help implement don’t just improve systems—they impact lives. Watching my colleagues thrive, knowing I’ve contributed to that growth, brings me immense pride.
I’ve also discovered my own strength. After the passing of Mr. Ashley and Thabang, I found myself stepping up to help carry the company through those dark days. The family was grieving, and I knew I had to keep things going, not just for myself but for everyone who believed in what we had built together.
What makes Roadgrass truly special is its people. It’s more than a company—it’s a family. There’s a sense of belonging here that I’ve never experienced anywhere else. The culture is open and supportive, built on diversity and an open-door policy that makes communication and teamwork flow naturally.
We might follow protocol, but we also understand that warmth and connection are just as important. That’s what makes Roadgrass different. Here, you don’t wake up dreading work—you wake up looking forward to it.
Some of my best memories are from our year-end functions. Employees from all the different plants would come together, and Mr. Ashley would tell us his stories—he was such a great storyteller. We laughed so much in those moments, and that energy carried us into the new year.
Roadgrass isn’t just a workplace for me—it’s home. It feels like one of my own children, something I want to nurture and watch grow. I often think of our late boss, Mr. Ashley, and hope that when he looks down, he’s proud of what we’ve continued to build.
I believe God placed me here for a reason—to help sustain this company through its toughest times. This place has become part of my vision, my purpose.
The biggest influence in my journey has undoubtedly been Mr. Ashley himself. I first met him while I was still at B3 Investments. He came in to check his policies, and during our conversation, I mentioned I was looking for a job. He joked that I should give him my CV, so I did. Two days later, he called me for an interview.
From that day forward, he became a mentor and a guide. He taught me patience, reminding me not to rush through life or take shortcuts. “Take things step by step,” he would say—and over time, I learned that this approach makes everything fall into place.
From Molly, Lerato, Thabang, and Mr. Ashley, I learned the true meaning of love—love for people, humility, and generosity. They saw everyone as equal, no matter their background, and cared for us like family.
The legacy I hope to leave behind is one of strength, growth, and continuity. I want our grandchildren to look back someday and feel proud of what we built here.
My dream is to help establish agricultural schools—places where young people can learn, grow, and build a strong foundation in this field. I want to ensure that what we’ve started here can’t easily be broken down, that it stands tall for generations to come.
When I think of Roadgrass in three words, I think of family, multi-cultural, and dynamic. It’s exciting work, especially in poultry farming where every cycle brings something new. Watching the process—from receiving chicks that are just a day old to seeing them grow strong—is deeply rewarding.
It feels like one of my own children, something I want to nurture and watch grow. I often think of our late boss, Mr. Ashley, and hope that when he looks down, he’s proud of what we’ve continued to build.
If I could speak directly to those reading my story, I’d tell them that I never imagined myself in agriculture—but life had a different plan for me. This industry, often underestimated, has taught me more than I could have learned anywhere else.
It’s an industry of growth, patience, and purpose. Watching a one-day-old chick grow into a full bird teaches you about responsibility, care, and the beauty of life cycles.
To young people, especially women, I say this: don’t overlook agriculture. It’s exciting, empowering, and full of opportunity. You can build something real here—you can even own your own farm one day.