mbulelo smpofu
Musawenkosi Moyo
LOVE always has a way of finding people, and for Xolie (33) and Washington Ngirazi (35), two proud farmers and owners of Ngirazi Farm, their love story is a testament to what can be achieved through teamwork.
The couple’s love story began with a chance encounter at a library and could easily be mistaken for a romantic movie.
“I was reading when Xolie came by looking for a book on the top shelf. She couldn’t reach it, so I helped her get the book.
“She thanked me and left. I was intrigued and couldn’t forget her, so I decided to find her. Luckily for me that day, she was wearing her school uniform, which made it easy to find her.
“I was friends with some of her classmates, and they helped me find her. We started talking and eventually began dating,” said Washington.
The two got married in 2020 and have since welcomed two children.
Their farming journey together began in 2022, specialising in horticulture farming, particularly greenhouse cultivation.
In a short time, they have built a successful business that not only supports their family but also benefits their community.
“I was already involved in farming and Xolie has a background in environmental science and health. We identified a gap between commercial farmers and stakeholder farmers, which presented an opportunity to establish our own business,” he said.
They were also motivated by the desire to create a harmonious family life where they could be present for their children without the constraints of demanding work schedules.
“We want to create a legacy for our family through farming,” Washington said.
While many couples struggle to maintain a balance between business and marriage, Xolie and Washington have maintained a strong marriage through faith and perseverance, values that have become the foundation of their relationship.
“At work, we have clearly defined roles that complement each other. This enables us to leverage our strengths while avoiding unnecessary arguments when making decisions.
“It is crucial for us to operate the business professionally, keeping it separate from our marriage. This means our personal relationship does not influence the day-to-day running of the business,” said Xolie.
Xolie also said that farming has played a significant role in strengthening their bond as business partners and as a couple.
“For us, farming is not just a livelihood; it is a shared dream that continues to strengthen our connection. Working together to address daily challenges has brought us closer,” she said.
Other than farming, the couple runs an online channel called Ngirazi Farm Diaries, where they showcase their work and share their farming knowledge.
“The platform allows us to share our highs and lows, enabling others to learn from our experiences. It also provides a platform for farmers to share their own stories, struggles and triumphs, fostering a sense of community,” she said.
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