By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe

Sindisiwe Mkhize, Executive Director of The Valley Trust in KwaZulu-Natal, combines her passion for farming with visionary leadership. Rooted in community and sustainability, she’s dedicated to empowering the Valley’s people, nurturing both the land and the lives it supports for a stronger, self-reliant future.

You started as a volunteer at The Valley Trust in 2008 and are now leading the
organisation. What has this journey taught you about yourself and about the communities you serve?
I began at The Valley Trust as a volunteer fresh out of school, never imagining I’d one day lead it. After time at UKZN and UCT, I returned in 2015 and have been here since. Working closely with communities has taught me that lasting change comes from listening, respecting lived experiences, and working alongside people. This journey has shown me to embrace the unexpected, trust the process, and value patience. Spending time with elders has been my greatest teacher, reminding me daily that this work is about service, not titles — and I’m deeply grateful for every moment.

The Valley Trust has been active for over 70 years. In your view, what makes it
unique in the way it approaches community development and health?
The Valley Trust has consistently remained true to its founding promise to meet the community’s needs. Our genuine bottom-up approach means the community, not funders, sets priorities. A unique feature is our community committee, made up of residents, which guides us and holds us accountable. Over the decades, we’ve evolved— from building infrastructure during apartheid, to health education during the HIV/AIDS crisis, to today’s focus on education, health, nutrition, and income generation. We are now working towards becoming more self-sustaining, but our strength remains in being rooted in the community’s lived experience.

You are also passionate about farming. Where did that love come from?
My love for farming comes from my mother, who inherited it from her mother. My grandmother is almost 90 years old, and still grows vegetables in her backyard. She has a special family tradition: to gift every great-grandchild a chicken from her flock whenever they visit her. That is how I ended up with about 15 Zulu chickens, descending from the one she gave my last born child 10 years ago.

Growing up, my mother and I cultivated maize, beans, and other crops. Everyone in our community knew that if they were hungry, they could come to my mother’s garden and find something to eat. That spirit of generosity has stayed with me. Today, I’ve expanded my farming knowledge, making it a source of income while teaching my mother new methods. I also keep part of my mini-farm open for anyone who needs food but cannot afford it.

How does farming tie into your values and your vision for the communities in the
Valley of 1000 Hills?

Farming reflects my values of community and sustainability; it’s about nurturing life and creating opportunities for families to support themselves. At The Valley Trust, we use an Asset-Based Community Development approach, building on what people have, especially land. In our rural areas, farming can foster resilience, pride, economic empowerment, and better nutrition. My vision is for communities to see farming as more than survival — to use it for income, health, and stronger social bonds. By promoting sustainable practices and supporting small-scale farmers, we align with our mission to work alongside communities for lasting change.

Working closely with rural communities can be both challenging and rewarding.
Can you share a moment or story that has deeply impacted you as a leader? What are the challenges that come with your role?
One of the most powerful lessons for me was seeing communities unite during the riots, floods, and COVID. I witnessed the spirit of ubuntu, there was an overwhelming support from individuals, companies, and donors who redirected resources to disaster relief. It reminded me why this work matters. The hardest part is knowing we can’t help everyone and having to decide who receives support. I’ve learned that meaningful impact comes from focusing on one problem at a time, making tough sacrifices, and accepting that we can’t do it all at once — but each step still makes a difference.

What are the biggest opportunities you see for the Valley communities in the next five years, and how is TVT preparing to help them seize those opportunities?
The Valley communities’ resilience, local knowledge, and strong community spirit are our greatest assets. Over the next five years, I see opportunities in sustainable
livelihoods through improved education, health, and economic empowerment. Small-scale farming, income generation, and skills development can drive local growth. At The Valley Trust, we’re strengthening programmes in Early Childhood Development, education, health, nutrition, and income generation, while also working toward financial sustainability through our own ventures. This will ensure we can keep supporting the community for generations to come.

If you could achieve one lasting change in the Valley during your tenure, what
would it be and why?
The Valley Trust has always played a vital role in the communities of the Valley, and I believe there will always be a need for its work. If I could achieve one lasting change, it would be to make The Valley Trust fully self-sustaining so it can continue its vital work regardless of funding challenges. I also want to see the community play a bigger role in shaping and growing the local economy. Real change begins with shifting mindsets, improving education, and ensuring equal access to opportunities. My vision is for the people of the Valley to become active drivers of their own economic future, building a resilient community that thrives on its own terms.

Outside of your professional role, how do you unwind, recharge, and keep your
passion for community work alive?

I’m surrounded by a big family. There are 19 at my in-laws and 27 at my mothers — so most of my free time is spent with them, whether it’s gardening, braaing, feasting, or laughing together. I love visiting my mom on the South Coast, often taking my 15 nieces and nephews to the beach. Food and laughter are constants at our gatherings. For my birthday or Mother’s Day, I ask for quiet time alone to watch movies and catch up on sleep. Now and then, I also enjoy outings with friends to recharge.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for yourself and for The Valley Trust’s role
in shaping healthier, more self-reliant communities?
I’m focused on growing within the spaces I’m already in; farming, property, my role at The Valley Trust, and raising three boys, rather than taking on new projects (though I can’t promise that). I’ll stay at The Valley Trust as long as I’m adding value, while building my ventures to sustain my family and allow me to keep contributing to community development. My vision is to grow with a strong team, strengthen our staff, and create opportunities for more young people from our community to join and thrive in the organisation’s future.
To contact The Valley Trust, call +27 31 716 6800 or email info@vtrust.org.za