Giyani mother empowered by farming aid

LIMPOPO – A single mother from Khaxani village near Giyani, Rebeca Mongwe, says a donation of farming materials from the Department of Social Development will transform her life and help her break free from the poverty that has affected her family for years.

Mongwe, who relies on government child grants to raise her two children, was among 40 beneficiaries who received farming inputs during an event commemorating the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty held at Khaxani on Friday.

The Department of Social Development identified the 40 beneficiaries as some of the poorest families in the village struggling to make ends meet. By providing farming materials, the department aims to encourage these families to start farming and produce food for themselves.

“We understand that nowadays many people have turned their backs on farming,” said Florence Radzilani, the MEC for Social Development. “Everybody wants to do something else, but at the end of the day, they all want to eat.” She added that the department’s goal is to motivate people to grow their own food instead of depending solely on market purchases.

The donated materials included a 5 000-litre Jojo tank, a wheelbarrow, a spade, a digging fork, seeds for various crops, and other essential tools to help vulnerable families start small-scale farming projects and improve their livelihoods.

Mother says donation offers hope and dignity

After receiving the donation, an emotional Mongwe shared how the farming tools gave her hope and a renewed sense of purpose.

“With these tools, I will be able to plough and grow vegetables to sell to the community, earning money to raise my kids. I have a small piece of land that can produce enough food for my family, with some left to sell,” she said.

Mongwe described her struggle living without formal employment and relying entirely on her children’s grants.

“Life is hard without income. I’ve been living hand to mouth and it’s been painful to watch my children go hungry sometimes. But I’m done with that life; I want to be independent and provide for them with my own hands,” she said confidently.

She believes that with support and commitment, she can turn her small garden into a sustainable income source.

“This will do more than lift me out of poverty; it will give me dignity. I want to stand on my own, send my children to school, and teach them that hard work pays off,” she added.

Mongwe said her next step is to prepare the land and plant crops before the rains come.

“This is my new beginning. It’s the opportunity I needed to change my life and that of my children,” she said with a smile.

Meanwhile, MEC Radzilani explained that the initiative is part of the government’s wider effort to empower impoverished households through sustainable projects. She also stressed that the government would monitor the recipients’ progress.

“We will return to check on progress. We urge everyone who received the farming tools to produce food or something tangible to show us when we visit,” she said.