Moja Gabedi once an eyesore; now lush garden
The transformation of Moja Gabedi has resulted in a notable decrease in criminal activity and homeless people that lived there have been moved to a nearby shelter.
The green space on Festival Street once an eyesore for heaps of illegally dumped waste has now become spot for refreshing the mind.
Moja Gabedi, located close to the University of Pretoria (UP), was transformed by students.
The site was once and hotspot for illegal activities but is now a lush urban garden for students to learn.
UP spokesperson Sashlin Girraj said the rehabilitation of Moja began in 2019 with a clean-up operation involving the removal of 3 000 tons of waste and the introduction of 3 000 tons of topsoil and 200 tons of compost.
“Trees were planted, gardens cultivated, and temporary structures erected to serve as therapy centres and community meeting spaces.”
He said the project, managed by the Head of Curricular Community Engagement in UP’s Department for Education Innovation, Dr Eugene Machimana, and site managers Innocent Chauke and Pontsho Masele, continues to grow, attracting students and community members alike.
“In 2024 alone, 183 students from various disciplines – including the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NAS), Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Education – actively contributed to Moja.
“Their work ranged from food production research and environmental rehabilitation to occupational therapy sessions for vulnerable members of the community.”
Chauke emphasised that “it is through collaborative community engagement initiatives that the university and community can transform other degenerative spaces and make them places of meaningful engagement”.
“Students pursuing degrees in agriculture conduct their research on food production in the garden, while occupational therapy students conduct life-changing sessions with community members, helping them realise their full potential,” said Chauke.
Girraj said the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme has also played a key role, with students using the space for entrepreneurial projects that, in turn, provide financial support for Moja.
“A Dutch non-profit organisation, The Breadhouse, has also launched a ‘Baketainer’ project on-site, converting shipping containers into a bakery that provides affordable bread to the local community.
“The transformation of Moja extends beyond its physical landscape. The project has become a symbol of urban regeneration, drawing in over 622 community members in 2024 alone.”
He said community members now have access to fresh produce, students have a unique hands-on learning environment, and the area has seen a significant crime reduction.
Masele said the Hatfield precinct is now a cleaner and safer space.
“We’ve seen a notable decrease in criminal activity, and the homeless individuals who once occupied the site have been relocated to a nearby shelter.”
Girraj said beyond Moja, UP students continue to engage in various community projects across the city, reinforcing the university’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.
“With its existing achievements, Moja is far from complete. Plans are in place to further develop the site as a hub for educational tours, workshops and small business initiatives.”
Chauke said their vision is to make Moja a model for regenerating neglected urban spaces.
“With continued collaboration between the university and community, we can transform even more forgotten spaces into places of meaningful engagement.”
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