Zuma launches hydroponic project in Benoni A.H.

The project was launched at Manger Care Centre in Elaine Street through the Jacob G Zuma Foundation.

The foundation has previously donated tunnels in which to grow vegetables in short period.

Zuma said such projects aim to eradicate poverty and ensure long term and sustainable food security.

“During the State of the Nation Address (Sona) you’d recall that I indicated that we have identified agriculture as a key job driver and that our target for the sector is to create a million jobs by 2030.

“Part of what we are doing here today falls within that ambit of ensuring that agriculture becomes an important tool in the hands of the people in changing their lives for the better,” said Zuma, adding that he is happy that with a project like this “we are beginning to make that objective a reality”.

Zuma said people would also recall that during Sona he made a commitment that support will be provided to communities as well to engage in food production and sustainable farming to promote food security in line with Fesahlala food production programme.

“This initiative is meant to ensure that our people become productive and get involved in agriculture and use agriculture as a means of fighting poverty and also become productive within the economy.

“I’m excited that you are actively involved in such an important small scale farming project which has a potential of growing and becoming massive to relieve you from the scourge of poverty,” stated Zuma.

Zuma said he knew the project is going to grow massively to all wards in the country.

“You are truly a living example of the people who respond to what is shown to them — you are an example of an adage which says that journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.

“I’m here to congratulate and encourage you to continue in this path and ensure that you are economically active especially around agriculture.

“It is our government’s objective to encourage and stimulate small to medium enterprises because that is where the huge potential lies for our people to gain meaningful employment hence we have established a ministry dedicated to the development of small business,” Zuma.

The project was developed eight months ago as a pilot to a broader programme that will aim to develop opportunity for entrepreneurs, job creation as well as community food security gardens which are affordable to develop and easy to maintain.

Zuma said the Manger Care Centre project has been very successful.

“It has had one full crop rotation and the next crop is presently been established by the community.

“Over the last eight months this garden have yielded an average of 1000 bunches of spinach every 10 days — yielding up to R3 500 after every harvest, said Zuma.

This, he said, is against a maintenance cost of R400 per month per tunnel in growing consumables and packaging.

Produce are sold to either local retailers, wholesalers and directly to consumers at higher margins.

Zuma said the custodians of the garden have been assisting the disadvantaged South Africans.

“The development of this facility has improved the lives of many South Africans –It has created employment while driving and stimulating local economy,” he said.

Mayor of Ekurhuleni Mondli Gungubele and Ward 24 councillor Stephanie Kruger were also present.