The Equleni Garden Project in NU29, Motherwell, is transforming urban agriculture in Nelson Mandela Bay. Recently visited by Councillor Bassie Kamana, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, along with Deputy Director for Urban Agriculture, Passmore Dongi, the project stands as a beacon of community-driven success and sustainability.
Founded in 2023 by Monalisa Nomathamsanqa Badi, the garden has become a vital source of sustenance and community support.
Badi, who leads the initiative, explained, “I sell the crops to my local community, which allows me to feed my family and support a crèche with a soup kitchen, as well as elderly residents and my church, where I serve as a pastor. With support from the Directorate, I am now able to change many lives. I also plan to expand to a nursery in the near future.”
Municipal spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, said the project has garnered support from the municipality, as highlighted during the recent visit.
“This is one of the projects we support under EDTA,” said MMC Kamana. “Our goal is to empower individuals who want to pursue farming as a livelihood, helping them generate their own income. We encourage more residents to start similar initiatives, as this will ensure long-term food security in our communities.”
Supported by the Integrated Settlement and Urban Planning (ISUP) Grant, in partnership with Human Settlements, the garden is equipped with seeds, wheelbarrows, watering cans, and other essential resources. Any surplus produce is sold at the Fresh Produce Market, contributing to the local economy.
Dongi emphasised, “Food security is critical and has the potential to create more job opportunities in the future. We will continue to identify and support more projects.”
Soyaya said the municipality’s commitment to such initiatives not only addresses immediate food needs but also builds sustainable community development.
“The Equleni Garden Project is a testament to the successful collaboration between local government and community members, paving the way for economic empowerment and social cohesion,” he added.
Badi’s vision to expand her efforts into a nursery is a demonstration of the project’s potential to transform urban agriculture into a thriving sector within the local economy.
By nurturing community-driven projects, Nelson Mandela Bay is on a path towards resilience and self-sufficiency, driven by a collaborative spirit, Soyaya commented.
He concluded that the project highlights the importance of empowering communities through sustainable agricultural practices, reinforcing the role of local initiatives in fostering economic growth.
With continued support, projects like Equleni Garden can lead to lasting change, providing hope and resources to communities in need.
You must be logged in to post a comment.