Planting seeds of hope

His tattered shirt and wrinkled face tell the tale of a hardworking man with little to his name, yet his smile and heart are worth a pot of gold.

Simon Kwesaba is a pastor in Shakaville, Stanger who spends his days planting, growing and nurturing Seed of Hope with the ongoing encouragement of his loyal supporter, Louis Meyer.

The two grey heads met through the Dutch Reformed Church nearly two decades ago and were immediately united by the common goal of helping others.

“We saw the problems confronting the local community and decided to step in and help solve them,” said Meyer.

The friends began by opening a crèche for orphans which Kwesaba’s wife, Eunice runs. To feed them, they also established the Seed of Hope food garden. Over the years, the garden developed into a formally registered, 10-member co-operative, feeding around 300 people a week.

“Our garden is about six hectares big and we grow mainly tomatoes, cabbages, spinach, beetroot and soon chillies too,” said Kwesaba.

After years of struggling with the continuous fund raising to keep up the garden, Seed of Hope was suddenly put on the map when Checkers got involved in September 2016. They facilitated a series of practical farming workshops, including planting techniques. A variety of trees and seeds were planted to increase crop diversity, while Checkers also funded the installation of a water tank and irrigation system as well as much-needed kitchen upgrades.

Also read: Farming God’s way

“My garden enables me to help my community. Now that big people are coming to the garden, we can help even more,” said Kwesaba, who uses veggies as a currency.

“I work in veggies – I know I must sell 15 spinach to pay for a tank of petrol.”

Checkers have assigned Food & Trees for Africa – an NGO from Durban – to mentor and support Kwesaba, according to their production officer Amanda Mthembu.

“We visit twice a month and answer questions and give Simon financial support. He has learnt to reinvest the money he makes by buying new seedlings. He also creates seasonal employment through the garden. The community respect him and he feeds their souls and stomachs,” said Mthembu.

Meyer said Kwesaba was an inspiration and role model for all to learn from.

“Simon and his wife make a real impact on the community. We can learn a lot from their selfless way of life – they have nothing, yet they give everything,” said Meyer.

To get involved with Seed of Hope, contact Louis at 082 781 9317.

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