My name is Bhudi Lucky Mkhonto, I am 52 years old, I am a father of two children – Charmaine (14 years old) and Emmanuel (13 years old) My inspiration comes from my family which taught me and my siblings how to take care of the field and grow white corn.
In 1990 I graduated at Ekulindeni High school in Kromdraai. After the graduation I went to Colliery Training College (CTC) at Witbank, Klipfontein to study technical engineering. Due to lack of funds I wasn’t able to finish my studies and decided to get the plot of land in Ngoneni to grow tomatoes.
From 1996 – 1999 I worked as a miner at ACA Mine in Msauli Village. From 2000 till 2003 I worked at Agnes Gold Mine in Barberton as a miner’s assistant and gold sampler.
In 2003 I was learning how to grow vegetables through the extension office of the Department of Agriculture and at the same time I started to farm again in Ngoneni. From 2007 to 2017 I was raising goats for milk consumption and community needs. In 2011 I met Lucky Kekana at EDE (Ecovillage Designer Education) training where I learnt both theory and practical skills of permaculture.
In 2013 I was able to obtain more land on which I am currently living growing vegetables, fruits and raising chickens and cows. In 2014 I participated in Dragon Dreaming with John Craft.
I am also self- taught builder using natural materials as stones, mud, timber, grass, ash and cow dong.
My dream is to see wholistic education for children and youth in the community. I would love to share my skills and teach the youth practical skills for growing their own food and building natural homes to improve their living conditions.