In August 2021, Vulamathuba Empumelelo established food gardens at various Communicare complexes to address the rapidly unfolding global food crisis and the rising cost of healthy organic produce. We intended to build a cohesive community of gardeners and encourage lifelong relationships among our tenants.

Gardens were started at Bothasig Gardens, Drommedaris, Huis Alleyne Yeld, Montclair Place and Creswell House. Considering who would be able to attend training and get the gardens off the ground, our seniors were our first enthusiasts. Raised beds were used to make the garden more accessible, but participants opted to plant directly into the soil, which increased their harvest.

Initially, our avid gardeners planted vegetable seeds like cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, and strawberries, but soon various gardens boasted pumpkin, herbs and potatoes.

With each garden working on a different model that suits their community, some participants chose to sell their vegetables cheaply. Others decided to share their vegetables among one another.

Mervin Maree from Huis Alleyne Yeld in Bishop Lavis said, “The gardening club arranged a braai for all the members and had so much fun”.

Coming soon are gardens at the Vulamathuba Learning Centre and Mez Wallach, Lakeside.

We look forward to welcoming others to help us contribute to sustainable living.

New members and prospective partners can contact Noluvo Mbiko at admin@gmail.com or call 021 421 6008 or WhatsApp 072 2509290.