The KZN DARD MEC Hon. Super Zuma visited the youth-owned Monastery Farmin Ward 6, Richmond, under Umgungundlovu District on 20 June 2023. This farm was established by Gugu Mthalane, born and raised in the rural outskirts of Ubumbulu. Gugu Mthalane’ s love and inquisitiveness towards farming was nurtured by her parents who instilled farming as a way of life to sustain the family. Gugu is the only girl of five siblings. 

The Monastery Farm is involved in various agricultural empowerment initiatives such as Leadership, Business Development and Financial Management Training initiatives. These programmes include training of emerging farmers, community development and entrepreneurship advancement in providing scarce skills in agriculture such as tanning.