Changing perceptions around the ‘miracle plant’

Kitso Monyadi (30) is on a quest to change the perceptions around the cannabis plant.

Monyadi owns Botlhale Ba Rrammutla Farms which holds a hemp permit from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

Hemp is a cannabis plant that contains 0.2% or less Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while marijuana is a cannabis plant that contains more than 0.2% THC.

THC is the potent chemical found in the cannabis plant.
Monyadi’s aim behind acquiring the permit was to farm hemp to remedy the soil on her farm. This method also helps lower the carbon footprint especially since Botlhale Ba Rrammutla Farms focuses on organic farming. 

“We try to educate everyone we interact with about this miracle plant and its many health benefits.

“Not only is the hemp plant good medically but it’s also a by-product of everything. One can make everything from it, from consumables to textiles and fuel. The list is endless,” said Monyadi.

Botlhale Ba Rrammutla is based in Pretoria north and produces a range of hemp-infused tea and the Cannabidiol (CBD) oil. 
CBD is an active ingredient in cannabis that is derived from the hemp plant.

“The health benefits of hemp are vast. I intend to heal people from all walks of life and alleviate world hunger,” she said.
Monyadi said her goal for the business is to expand her current workforce from five to at least 50 in the short term and 300 in the long term.

“Our dreams are to have a fully compliant turnkey processing facility so that we can manufacture teas, herbal supplements and cosmetics on the farm and open a bio wellness retailer.”

Apart from growing the cannabis plant, Monyadi also farms chickens, vegetables and herbs.
She has received assistance from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) that donated a kiosk to the business.

“As part of our expansion, we would like to place this kiosk which will be selling our products in busy malls around Gauteng.”

The dynamic farmer has extensive training from institutions like Cheeba Cannabis Academy, Tshwane University of Technology, and the University of Pretoria to produce high-quality crops, well-nourished off-layer chickens, and eco-friendly health and skincare products using sustainable agricultural practices.

She works with her partner Katlego Kgopotse an Indigenous Knowledge System and Biodiversity Specialist who is also a qualified facilitator and moderator. Kgopotse played a key role in acquiring the hemp permit.

“The end goal is to see hemp industrialisation thriving in South Africa,” she concluded.¥