A Multi-Award Winner, Zokhanyo Bikani – Growing Resilience, One Mushroom at a Time
By: Tina Dayimani
Raised by her grandmother in the rural town of Idutywa in the Eastern Cape, Zokhanyo Bikani grew up surrounded by values that would later shape her journey in agriculture: hard work, resourcefulness, and respect for nature. Her grandmother, her greatest inspiration, instilled in her a strong sense of discipline, care for the environment, and a love for growing from the land. She also taught her the basics of gardening, how to use natural resources wisely, and the importance of recycling.
Bikani’s agricultural journey began in 2017 with a humble oyster mushroom project at her small town in Gansbaai in the Western Cape. This is a small beginning rooted in passion and resilience. After losing her job in 2020, she turned a setback into an opportunity. In 2022, she officially registered Zozo Mushrooms and Veggies, committing fully to her dream of farming and feeding communities.
“What keeps me going is knowing that my work not only feeds people but also inspires others,” says Bikani.
Like many small-scale farmers, she faced challenges of limited access to markets, lack of funding, and no proper storage facilities. But her tenacity and willingness to learn helped her rise above these barriers. She invested in agricultural training, consistently produced high-quality mushrooms, built strong networks, and applied for funding support.
A key turning point came with funding from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) and expert project implementation by Casidra. This support enabled her to expand her mushroom house, increase production, supply fresh oyster mushrooms to local communities, and open doors to high-end clients, including hotels and restaurants.
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. She was named Best Performing Women PES Farmer in 2023 at the National Female Entrepreneur Awards held in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga followed by Best Subsistence Producer in 2024 at DALRRD Women Entrepreneur Award. These accolades are a testament to her excellence and impact in agriculture achievements that extend far beyond her own farm.
Through her workshops, Bikani teaches others especially women and youth how to grow food at home using recycled materials. These community-driven initiatives empower people to become self-sufficient and take pride in producing their own food.
For Bikani, Women’s Month is more than just a celebration it’s a call to action.
“Women are capable of feeding communities, creating jobs, and driving change. But we need more recognition and equal access to land, resources, and markets,” she says.
She advocates for targeted funding for women, accessible mentorship programmes, and better infrastructure support. She envisions a future where women are not only contributors to agriculture, but leaders are shaping policies, strengthening food security, and transforming communities.
Balancing her roles as a farmer, family member, and community leader is no easy task. However, with effective time management and her family’s involvement in the business, she continues her outreach work, running gardening workshops that reflect her deep commitment to lifting others as she grows.
Looking ahead, Bikani sees women at the forefront of innovative, sustainable farming and agri-businesses across South Africa.
“Start small and start now. Learn as much as you can, be patient with the process, and never let challenges discourage you. Farming is not just about producing food; it’s about creating opportunities and building a legacy.”
This thriving food security project is a shining example of what determination, support, and vision can achieve. Casidra is proud to be associated with Bikani’s journey, a powerful testimony of a woman who is not only cultivating the land, but sowing seeds of hope, empowerment, and change for generations to come.
