SEBOKENG. – “There is no culture without Agri-culture.”
These words resonate deeply within the community of Azania informal settlement near Boitumelo in Sebokeng, where Lesaoane ‘Solja’ Makhalemele has transformed a former illegal dumping ground into a thriving community garden.

Makhalemele, an undergraduate student studying law at North West University (Vaal), has converted a 28m×6m expanse of land into a productive garden, turning himself into a local farmer in the process. His efforts yield a variety of crops including pumpkin, watermelon, butternut, squash, spinach, beans, tomatoes, carrots, and more.

With the assistance of a few friends, Makhalemele began by clearing the field. Despite its limited size, he planted the seeds he had gathered, and to his delight, everything he planted flourished. Instead of selling the crops for profit, Makhalemele chose to distribute them to the community for free, thereby alleviating hunger to some extent and enhancing many lives.

Makhalemele generously shares his produce and aspires to one day purchase a larger farm where he can cultivate even more crops and livestock. Despite lacking formal training in farming or agricultural studies, his enthusiasm for agriculture inspires and motivates others to follow suit. Community members express their profound gratitude for Makhalemele’s initiative, stating:
“He is God-sent. We no longer go to bed hungry. We go to bed healthy and with full stomachs.”

Makhalemele, whose studies focus on law and politics aimed at promoting social justice and alleviating poverty, emphasises that his farming endeavours stem from a desire to address these issues at their core.

Reflecting on his journey, Makhalemele remarks: “Initially, I had doubts about the feasibility of growing certain crops and vegetables in Gauteng due to the climate. However, upon obtaining their seeds, I was determined to give it a try. Drawing inspiration from influential figures like Mummar Gaddafi, Malcolm X, and others, I learned the importance of self-confidence and taking action to change our circumstances, starting from our communities.”

Makhalemele encourages the community to collaborate in environmental cleanup efforts, reclaiming abandoned spaces for community farming initiatives. He stresses the importance of educating and engaging civilians in farming practices, echoing the sentiment that “There is no culture without Agri-culture.”

To support Makhalemele’s project, contact him at 073 851 8197.