Six unemployed youth members from Mamelodi could not sit and fold their hands, while a community vegetable garden goes down the drain.

The group has taken over the legacy of a 78-year-old pensioner, Richard Lerumo (78), from Section D1 in Mamelodi West, who used to feed the community with vegetables grown from the garden for over three decades.

Lerumo has since stopped looking after the community garden, due to his age.

One of the youth members, Khothatso Mokwena, said Lerumo was ‘as strong as an ox’ when he saw an open veld next to a stream not far from his house slowly turning into an illegal dumping site.

Mokwena said Lerumo used to sell and donate vegetables he had grown to the community.

“We want to take over his legacy of running a community vegetable garden.”

He said the vegetable garden used to be called Tswelopele Community Garden, but they decided to rename it Itireleng Agriculture.

Itireleng means ‘we are doing it ourselves’. Mokwena said, however, they will not forget what Lerumo has done for the community of Section D1 in Mamelodi West.

Mokwena said the vegetable garden was damaged and thieves stole the tools.

“We had been working on the community garden for the past two weeks, reviving it, but it’s still a long way. But the plan is to get it back to where it was before,” said Mokwena.

The group said they will need all the help they can get, especially clearing the area as well as turning the soil to prepare for planting.

Another youth, Lucas Mooena, said they desperately need a Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB) to help in clearing the area because the soil is hard.

He added that they need garden tool donations such as fences, nets and seeds to plant before the rainy season starts.

The group tend to the garden every day, working from around 06:00 to 15:00.

“We are not only reviving the community garden, but we are also fighting crime at the same time,” said Mokoena.

The group pleaded with the public to stop littering at the old community garden because it’s going to benefit them soon.

Mokoena further said the fence will also help prevent nearby cows, goats and pigs from destroying the garden.

“We are calling on all the youth to stand up and take charge of their environment,” said Mokoena.

The group also pleaded with local businessmen to come on board and help with a water pump to get water from the river.

Anyone who wishes to help Itireleng Agriculture with their community garden can contact them on 062 583 7469 or 070 670 1461.

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