Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Upon meeting Gloria Monama, you are immediately struck by her calm confidence and quiet resilience, traits she attributes to both her roots and the remarkable journey that brought her from a small village in Limpopo to controlling quality at South Africa’s fresh produce markets. Her story is testament to how passion, grit, and opportunity can intersect to create a meaningful and lasting impact in the agricultural sector.
Humble beginnings, big dreams
Gloria hails from Mosesetjane, a village just outside Mokopane in Limpopo. As the seventh child in a warm and supportive family, Gloria’s love for agriculture was cultivated early. Surrounded by farming activities and a deep connection to the land, she found herself fascinated by the systems that keep agriculture running. “I’ve had a strong interest in agriculture since high school,” she recalls. “I was passionate about learning and improving systems.”
Even outside the classroom, Gloria’s curiosity and drive were evident. Whether she was reading, studying, or enjoying a good television show, her mind constantly sought growth and purpose, a hunger that would eventually lead her to one of the country’s most transformative bursary programmes.
A bursary opens doors
In 2014, Gloria’s life took a decisive turn when she was awarded a Potatoes SA bursary. At the time, she was struggling to fund her studies at Potchefstroom College of Agriculture, where she pursued a Diploma in Agriculture. The bursary came as more than just financial relief; it became a gateway to hands-on learning and career-defining exposure.
“I heard about the bursary through a lecturer and a student noticeboard,” she says. It covered her tuition, books, accommodation, and even experiential training and internship costs. But beyond that, it gave Gloria valuable exposure to the potato industry.
She took part in farm visits, student inductions, fresh produce market tours, and a memorable symposium in Cape Town. “That trip opened my eyes to the scale of and opportunities in commercial potato operations. Meeting industry leaders inspired me deeply.”
Career progression
With the support of the Potatoes SA bursary throughout her three years at Potchefstroom College, Gloria successfully completed her Diploma in Agriculture. Determined to advance further, she independently pursued both a BTech and MTech in Agriculture (Crop Production) at Tshwane University of Technology.
She reflects on this journey: “Understanding agriculture in depth, especially potato production, was eye-opening. Practical learning was crucial, and I carried that with me into my career.”
Her connection to Prokon began through the Potatoes SA bursary programme, which not only supported her studies but also facilitated her internship placement there in 2016.
During her experiential training, she worked as a general worker intern and then as a quality controller intern. Impressed by her dedication and skills, Prokon offered her a permanent position and ever since she has grown steadily into her current position as quality control office manager.
This seamless transition from bursary-supported internship to full-time employment illustrates how the bursary programme can open up meaningful career opportunities within the potato industry. Gloria admits that she didn’t expect to fall in love with quality assurance. “But it has become my career anchor. Ensuring our produce meets standards is both challenging and rewarding.”
Giving back
Continuing the cycle of support, Gloria is now supervising Joel Dalamba, a student placed by Potatoes SA through the same bursary programme at Prokon for workplace experience. This full-circle moment not only highlights the long-term impact of the programme but reflects Gloria’s dedication to uplifting young talent and giving back to the industry that shaped her journey.
For her, success isn’t just personal, it is something to be shared. She regularly offers guidance to interns, students, and smallholder farmers, volunteering her time to provide training in produce quality standards and sharing her journey with those still finding their way in the industry.
“I’ve supported many through informal mentorship and through college alumni networks. It’s important to show others that it is possible.”
Reflections and aspirations
Gloria regards the Potatoes SA bursary as life-changing, providing her with a solid foundation and a clear career direction. She encourages bursary recipients to seize opportunities, stay curious, and engage actively with the industry.
As for the future? Gloria has her sights set high. “I want to lead agricultural quality systems at a national level and continue mentoring young professionals,” she says. She believes agriculture is vital to food security and economic growth, and she is committed to contributing to its advancement.
When she’s not managing quality standards or mentoring future agriculturists, Gloria enjoys motivational reading, studying, and doing community outreach.
A surprising fact about her is that she is a hairstylist in her spare time, a creative outlet that adds balance to her technical work life.
She draws motivation from her personal journey and the people who lifted her up along the way. “On tough days, I always remember how far I’ve come and those who believed in me.” Her biggest inspiration? “My brother – his resilience and determination inspire me every day.”
Planting seeds, reaping futures
Gloria story is proof that when passion meets opportunity, extraordinary things happen. From her roots in a Limpopo village to managing operations in Pretoria, she is a shining example of the impact bursary programmes such as Potatoes SA’s can have on a young life.
“I’m deeply grateful for the support I received. The programme helped shape the person I am today – confident, skilled, and passionate about agriculture.” – Rotondwa Raligidima
For more information about the bursary programme, send an email to Rendani Murovhi at rendani@potatoes.co.za, or visit www.potatoes.co.za/potatoes-sa-bursary-applications-2026/ to apply online.