In 2024, Thakane entered the Science, Technology, Engineering Art & Mathematics (STEAM) competition and emerged as the first prize winner, earning the title of Sebabatso Winner 2024 under the UNDP initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Information, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation. This recognition, part of Sebabatso a (Prime Minister’s Youth Empowerment Initiative), marked a significant milestone in her career and opened doors to new opportunities. "Being part of STEAM initiative was a turning point for me. It validated my efforts and gave me the confidence to pursue bigger challenges because of everything that we were taught throughout the process," Thakane reflected.

Thakane's journey took a significant turn when she stumbled upon the Harmonizing Agriculture and Sustainable Technologies for Environmental Networks (HASTEN) Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) Ireland Study Tour online, a project aiming to bring together agriculture and sustainability efforts, often involving international collaborations and study tours. Seizing the opportunity, she applied and was selected alongside other Basotho youth delegates to attend this prestigious tour. This experience profoundly deepened her understanding of sustainable agriculture and feed production. Witnessing Ireland's efficient integration of sustainable practices in livestock production opened her eyes to the possibilities of enhancing productivity while preserving natural resources. "The emphasis on circular systems, where waste is minimized and resources are continuously reused, challenged me to think beyond traditional farming methods and consider more regenerative practices in Lesotho," she shared. 

A transformative moment for Thakane was visiting a mixed-use farm that seamlessly integrated renewable energy, sustainable feed production, and waste recycling. This experience solidified her belief that sustainable feed solutions are not only possible but scalable, even in settings like Lesotho. She observed several innovative practices in Ireland, including precision agriculture, biogas livestock waste management, and forage-based feeding systems. These innovations, compared to Lesotho’s predominant traditional systems, are more efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. Adapting such practices could revolutionize Lesotho’s feed sector by lowering costs and reducing environmental impact. 

The study tour also introduced Thakane to transdisciplinary systems of thinking, combining knowledge and practices from different areas like agriculture, technology, environmental science, and community development to solve complex challenges in sustainability. For Nutri Rosa, this means leveraging local knowledge alongside technological innovation to develop sustainable feed solutions that are both scalable and accessible to smallholder farmers.

During the tour, Thakane connected with a range of experts, including sustainable feed innovators, agri-entrepreneurs, and researchers specializing in renewable energy. These networks are pivotal to Nutri Rosa’s future plans. She gained valuable insights on circular economy in agriculture, precision feed management, and collaborative systems thinking. To implement these, she plans to pilot precision feeding trials, expand sourcing from local raw materials, and initiate community-focused programs that foster circularity in agriculture.

Upon returning, Thakane's immediate focus is to integrate the tour’s lessons into Nutri Rosa’s operations, particularly by exploring sustainable energy options and community-inclusive feed models. She plans to collaborate with the HASTEN Lesotho team, contribute to local agricultural expos, and organize workshops for youth and farmers. These platforms will help bridge knowledge gaps and scale up sustainable practices.

Thakane is deeply grateful for the HASTEN Initiative under the FAO, Sustainable Food Systems Ireland (SFSI), and all participating stakeholders for their support and guidance. "The support from UNDP through the STEAM initiative and the Prime Minister’s Youth Empowerment Initiative (Sebabatso) has been instrumental in broadening my exposure to global best practices in sustainable agriculture," she noted.

Thakane Beatrice Mahase's journey is a shining example of local initiatives coupled with/complemented by global exposure and innovative thinking can drive transformative change in local communities. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of sustainable solutions for a better future.