Garden grows hope and independence in Diepsloot
A community garden at the Diepsloot Ext 2 GBV forensic clinic is giving survivors and residents more than fresh vegetables, with local organisations joining forces to create a space for healing, skills, and independence.
A community garden at the Diepsloot Ext 2 gender-based violence (GBV) forensic clinic is growing into a source of fresh food, practical skills, and hope for beneficiaries.
The garden, managed by Marshmallow Rainbow non-profit organisation, received a boost on Saturday, when a busload of Discovery employees volunteered their time to prepare the grounds and plant new crops. Discovery donated gardening tools, while the Diepsloot youth programme (DYP) brought seedlings and Turfnet Diepsloot supplied a truckload of compost.
Together, volunteers cleared and prepared sections of the garden before planting spinach, beetroot, kale, peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce. Seeds were also planted to keep the garden productive during the next planting cycle.
Read more: Services come knocking on Diepsloot’s doorstep
Sophy Tlhabadira, from DYP, said the volunteer day showed the impact of partnerships in supporting communities. “This garden will continue to provide fresh produce for GBV beneficiaries and the wider community. It also gives beneficiaries an opportunity to grow food for themselves, build greater independence, and regain some of the freedom and dignity that can be lost through abuse.”
For Marshmallow Rainbow, however, the garden is about more than producing vegetables. “For people who have experienced abuse, rebuilding a sense of independence, dignity, and control can be incredibly important,” said Felicia Khumalo, from Marshmallow Rainbow.
The latest volunteer day was Discovery and DYP’s second visit to the garden, and came as the project completed its first annual cycle. The partnerships have helped strengthen the garden’s infrastructure and prepare it for another planting season, with the organisation stressing that its progress has been driven by several partners rather than one organisation. “This is what we believe community development should look like: different organisations, community structures, volunteers, and individuals contributing what they can to keep something meaningful alive.”
Also read: Faith remains after church demolition in Diepsloot
The project is now looking beyond the clinic garden. Marshmallow Rainbow is preparing upcycling gardening classes to teach residents how to grow food with recycled, affordable materials. It is also developing a community gardening support initiative to revive existing gardens across Diepsloot.
Marshmallow Rainbow is calling on more businesses, organisations, community groups, and residents to support the initiative through donations, skills, volunteering, and sponsorship.
For donations and partnerships, contact Felicia Khumalo on 0612801816.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
