Veggie garden changes young men’s lives
They have planted mealies, lettuce, beetroot, onion, green peppers, cabbage, spinach and tomatoes.
A group of young men, from Gamalakhe, who have been challenged by substance abuse have found a positive outlet – they have started an agricultural cooperative, Sgodiphola Agricultural Garden Services.
With social ills and unemployment rife in the community, many youth are roaming the streets.
However, the nine members of the cooperative which is managed by Siya Jobe Sithole and Mlondi Mavundla, with Mondli Ngcobo, also from the area, as their adviser are optimistic about their futures.
Ngcobo said he was approached by the group for assistance, to find a piece of land to use as a garden.
“Fortunately I was able to find a plot for them and was able to assist them in buying seedlings. It was very exciting to hear that they want to change their lives and start a project that will also benefit the community,” said Ngcobo.
Currently, they have planted mealies, lettuce, beetroot, onion, green peppers, cabbage, spinach and tomatoes.
However, they are still in need of gardening tools to maintain the garden, and uniforms.
Ngcobo said the group also wishes to expand the cooperative and start a grass-cutting business, and is in need of grasscutters.
Thabiso Mpisane, the communications officer for the cooperative said they are appealing to local businesses and the municipality for donations of equipment.
He said he has seen a lot of dedication from all the group members and is hopeful that the project will grow bigger.
“Every morning we gather and go to the garden to water our plants and it is so good to see that they are growing. The garden is keeping us busy and away from substance use. We thank our brother, Mondli Ngcobo for all he has done for us,” Mpisane added.
If anyone wishes to donate, contact Mpisane on 073 8403195 or Ngcobo on 079 5796718 or via email at vumoese@gmail.com.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
