Mabopane vegetable project fights poverty

Metsikekgosi Agricultural Cooperative was established last year by a group of 13 community members, which consists of 8 women and 5 men. Among the total number of members, five of them are people with disabilities, five unemployed and three pensioners, all from the same section, Rekord North reported.

The group sells harvests to the local community and staff at the local Odi Hospital. The garden is on the hospital premises, and the group plants onions, cabbage, spinach, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots and many other vegetables.

Godfrey Mokhethi, a person with disability and the leader of the group, said after noticing there was open space on the hospital premises that could be utilised, he spoke to the hospital’s management, who gave them their support.

“We started the project at Metsikekgosi Day Care, but the space was not enough. We noticed the space at the hospital and approached their management. They were supportive, and that is why our garden is now on the hospital premises,” he said.

“The hospital is also helping us with water to water plants, and the staff are also supporting us by buying vegetables from us,” said Mokhethi.

Mokhethi added they needed mentorship because they were running the project without knowledge and skills, which was a big challenge.

“We need someone with agricultural experience to mentor us and show us direction because sometimes we plant vegetables which are not suitable for winter or for our soil, for lack of knowledge.

“We also need more tools, seeds, overalls, fertilisers, nets for shades and containers to keep materials in. We believe the success of this project means a lot to all of us,” added Mokhethi.

Anyone who is interested in helping them can call Godfrey Mokhethi at 071 4387 825 or Perfedia Mokwena at 072 071 8077.

– Caxton News Service