A selfless worker’s deeds are improving the health of countless out patients at Thoko Mngoma Clinic in Marlboro.
Petrus Leshaba (56), was employed as the clinic caretaker in 2010. His role has since expanded to tending the clinic garden which produces vegetables that are supplied by the clinic every Wednesday to TB and HIV patients.
His humanitarian act started after the suppliers stopped delivering the seeds/seedlings late last year. Armed with only general gardening skills and the occasional reading of agriculture books, the soft spoken Leshaba said, “I asked clinic management for re-supplies but have not received any since then. Rather than waiting for their responses I use my own resources to purchase seeds because I love gardening which many people regard as dirty work.
“I grow spinach, chou mollier [kale] carrots, tomatoes and green pepper which are recommended for TB and HIV patients who are too weak to start their own gardens and also have no income to purchase them.”
Leshaba said gardening required commitment, patience and was hard work. “Most people opt to chase quick money through piece jobs to alleviate their poverty,” he said. “They forget the essence of sacrificing once’s time through hard work for later long term gains such as through agriculture. I wish more of our people can start considering gardening positively as it is the only way to guarantee food security especially for the poor.”
Ward 109 councillor Lilian Kekana applauded Leshaba’s commitment. She said the city council was promoting a food security programme through agriculture co-operatives which were allocated vacant city council land. The occupation of these spaces also helps to curb squatting.
“Most of these co-operatives are run by women who unfortunately are unsuccessful because they lack agriculture and marketing skills,” she said. “Men shun these co-operatives and prefer to look for elusive jobs on the side of the streets,” she said.
Details: Councillor Lilian Kekana 082 484 6762 or 071 462 6524.
