Putfontein grandfather helps feed the hungry with his garden
The 60-year-old has worked hard for the past four months to put food on the table for his family and neighbours, as most people are unemployed in the area.
A Putfontein grandfather, Vungela Mahlangu, is representing the true meaning of ubuntu (humanity) by sharing his vegetable garden with community members.
The 60-year-old has worked hard for the past four months to put food on the table for his family and neighbours, as most people are unemployed in the area.
He harvested spinach, tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin, green beans and gem squash.
Mahlangu said when the pandemic began he saw how community members were suffering, as breadwinners lost their jobs and some families had no food to eat.
“I had noticed that people received food parcels, but the reality is that food parcels won’t last. People need a long-lasting solution and gardening is the first step,” he said.
“However, that was not the only reason for the garden. I decided to use the open veld close to my home because it was a crime hot spot. Robbers would hide in the long grass and rob people who were going to work in the early hours of the morning.”
He said he also encourages residents who are far from his house to plant a little garden at home because it does make a difference, especially when you have no food.
“If we could all plant a little garden it would make a huge difference in the world.
“I’ve been getting a positive response, especially from the unemployed youths who are eager to learn the skills of gardening,” said Mahlangu.
“I would love to take the youngsters off the streets and pass on my gardening knowledge to them; this will also give them an opportunity to sell the vegetables.”
He added that the garden keeps him active, as he dislikes sitting around the house doing nothing.
Mahlangu lives with his wife, Betty, and grandson, Mpendulo (7).
The community members said they are grateful for this garden because now their children don’t go to bed hungry.
He kindly requests donations of gardening tools, seeds and fertilisers. He can contacted on 076 788 9505.
ALSO READ:
Veggie garden launched at Benoni Child Welfare
ALSO READ:
How to improve the soil in your garden
