Seedlings to nourish the community

Vegetable seedlings were planted in the Zandspruit soil on September 8. Community members and representatives from Impophomo ploughed and planted in the newly installed vegetable tunnels, with a light drizzle giving its seal of approval.

Jacques Vlok from Impophomo said the community members who had started the vegetable gardens were blessing those in need. “As you have put labour into this soil, as you have cultivated it and planted these seedlings, each one of these is one day going to reach another person. What you have panted will nourish and feed other people. Do not take the work you did here lightly and do not discourage small beginnings.”

Jacques shared how at some point they thought they were going through a barren season because of the obstacles they faced. He said the nets were damaged and the water was cut off. “It’s been difficult but I believe that we are being told that this is a time of restoration,” he added.

CEO of Zandspruit Youth Development, Tebogo Mangena shared how they started a food garden to sustain a soup kitchen they were planning. “We want people to get organic food from the garden. We want to feed people with chronic diseases who are not working. They will receive food when they come to collect their medication at the clinic. We are hoping to feed them in the mornings and afternoons.” He revealed their plans to start the soup kitchen at the end of September. “We have already bought a stove but currently we don’t have enough sponsors. We will be working hand in hand with Impophomo and they are going to assist us just as they did today.”

According to Tebogo, this is not the first time they started a vegetable garden but the project stalled when the pandemic hit. He said it has been in the works for three or four years. “When Covid hit, they neglected the project so we are reviving it now. Compared to the last time it now has a direct mission, which is to feed people. We are going to sustain it forever.”