Tracey Michau from the Eastern Cape

Tell us a little about yourself!

I grew up in the peaceful coastal village of Salt Rock in KwaZulu-Natal. After qualifying as a chef, I worked in a number of hotels and eventually found myself in corporate retail as a Foods Manager. While I gained so much experience, the long hours and fast pace left me feeling burnt out and unfulfilled. I knew I needed a change, so I decided to embrace a simpler, more meaningful way of life. Now, I live in the beautiful Karoo, where I care for indigenous veld goats, chickens, and other animals, and grow food to nourish my family while living more sustainably. It’s been a journey, but one that fills my days with purpose and joy.

How did you start doing what you are doing now? 

I started by deciding what I truly wanted and consciously letting go of everything in my life that didn’t bring me joy. I sold my property and quit my job . I gave myself the space and time to rediscover who I was and what mattered most. Ten years ago, I took a leap of faith, sold everything, and started over from scratch. My journey into farming and homesteading happened almost by accident, but it felt like the path I was always meant to take. With a deep love for animals and a passion for sustainability, this new way of life came naturally to me. It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has brought me closer to the life I had envisioned—a life built on simplicity, connection, and purpose.

What are you most proud of in this process? 

What I’m most proud of is our herd of indigenous veld goats. They’re not just part of the farm; they’re the heart of what we do. Watching them thrive in the tough Karoo conditions has been incredibly rewarding. Their resilience and ability to adapt to the land show that we’re on the right track with our approach to farming. I’m really proud that we’re helping preserve these amazing animals, while also supporting a healthier ecosystem and staying connected to the traditions that make them so special.

What is the most helpful piece of advice you received when you were just starting out? 

When I was just starting out, the most helpful piece of advice I received was to trust the process and be patient with myself. The biggest step is simply to start—once you do, everything else starts to fall into place. Farming and homesteading aren’t things you can master overnight, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at first. But I learned that taking small, steady steps and focusing on progress, not perfection, is key. Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also part of the journey, and each one teaches you something valuable.

What advice would you like to give to others who are younger/earlier on their journey? 

My advice to others who are just starting out would be to take it one step at a time and not to rush the process. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle—it’s easy to feel discouraged if you’re constantly measuring yourself against others. You don’t have to master every skill or be the best at everything—being average is more than okay. Being a jack of all trades and master of none is perfectly fine. Focus on learning and growing at your own pace, and celebrate the small wins, even if they seem insignificant. Those little steps add up over time and lead to bigger accomplishments. Most importantly, trust yourself and enjoy the journey—there’s so much to learn along the way!

Where do you see growing going in South Africa? 

I see the future of growing in South Africa heading towards more small-scale, sustainable farming practices. People are becoming more aware of the need to work with nature and adapt to our unique climate. There’s also a growing appreciation for indigenous breeds and local food systems, which is exciting. I think as more people embrace these practices, there will be a stronger focus on preserving the land, improving biodiversity, and making farming more resilient and self-sufficient. It’s a hopeful direction, and I believe it will help create a more connected and sustainable food system for the future.