Nedbank staff plant seeds of hope at Mbilana

IN THE spirit of giving, Nedbank in Vryheid sponsored a vegetable tunnel to Mbilana Primary School in Hlobane.

Tunnel farming has been around in South Africa for almost four decades and stems from the original idea in the nineteenth century that crops could be grown using hydroponics as opposed to growing in the soil. 

In the 1970s it was discovered that vegetables could be successfully grown without soil by using nutrient based solutions. It was also discovered that exceptional results were achieved by covering the plants with a plastic-clad semi-circular structure, dubbed a “tunnel”. Tunnel farming has become very popular over the years, with many vegetable farmers opting for this method.

Jacques Jordaan, Buhle Thusi, Sabelo Zwane and Fathima Khan from Nedbank in Vryheid, visited the school on June 25, and were assisted by the eager students in setting up the vegetable tunnel, which will enable the students to grow their own vegetables at school.

After trading the crisp, clean office environment of the bank for a day, and getting their hands dirty for a good cause, the Nedbank team handed out food parcels to everyone who assisted them in their project.

“All of the students were more than willing to help and enjoyed it as much as we did,” said Mr Jordaan in reference to the experience.