A community nursery in Belfast, outside Paul Kruger Gate, has received an upgrade worth more than R400 000 through a Kruger National Park (KNP) centenary legacy project aimed at strengthening local livelihoods and promoting inclusive conservation.

The Tiyimeleni Community Nursery has been equipped with new infrastructure, water storage facilities, gardening equipment and irrigation supplies to improve its operations and support its growth.

According to the general manager of communications at KNP, Rey Thakhuli, the project forms part of the park’s centenary legacy initiatives, which seek to create lasting benefits for communities living alongside the protected area.

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New infrastructure boosts nursery operations

The upgraded facilities include a 15m × 35m greenhouse, a shelter for operational activities, a storeroom, an office, paving and a signboard. The nursery also received two 5 000-litre water tanks, garden tools, plant bags and irrigation pipes.

The investment is intended to strengthen the nursery’s capacity to operate effectively and contribute to sustainable community development.

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“Tiyimeleni has been identified as one of the community nurseries that must benefit through legacy projects of the KNP Centenary, which are intended to lay a foundation towards a future of inclusive conservation,” Thakhuli said.

He added that beyond the infrastructure upgrade, the initiative has also focused on building the skills needed to manage the nursery as a sustainable enterprise.

Training empowers staff with business skills

Employees received two days of business and computer training through a collaboration with the Good Work Foundation. The nursery’s project leader was also provided with a laptop and cellphone to improve business management and day-to-day operations.