While most pensioners rely on their government grants to make ends meet, a group of small-scale food producers led by a 67-year-old pensioner is defying the odds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dubbed Siyazama Community Garden, the group recently had an opportunity to sell their produce at Checkers Somerset West as part of Shoprite and Checkers\u2019 Market Day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The group plants and produces a range of vegetables in its Khayelitsha garden. Among others, they plant spinach, cabbage, beetroot and potatoes to supplement their income and support their families. The garden started in 1994 but began to bare good produce in 2016. The garden now forms part of the market day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Launched in 2017, the market day serves as an opportunity for small-scale food gardens to gain important retail experience and generate extra income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over 30 local community food gardens sold their fresh and organically grown produce directly to the public at selected Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The initiative is designed to ensure food security and currently supports more than 200 community food gardens and over 3 500 home gardens, impacting nearly 55 000 beneficiaries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the past year, more than 2 700 community members were trained in sustainable food gardening and the gardens collectively produced a harvest of more than 31 500 kg, providing almost 100 000 meals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nokwanda Nkqayi, who heads Siyazama, says a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment goes into running and managing a successful business. While the project started almost 30 years ago, Nkqayi says it was the lessons learned in the initial stages of the project that brought them joy. After many years of struggle, the garden joined forces with Abalimi Bezekhaya, a renowned NGO specialising in assisting aspiring farmers in the townships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prior to this, Nkqayi (67) says the group had no proper vision and direction. They ran the garden and put all their earnings in their pockets. Now, everything is professionally done. The project has sound financial records, something she believes is opening many doors for them. \u201cThey initially treated the business casually and put all their earning into their pockets,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After missing several funding opportunities, Nkqayi, who is a teacher by profession, says she was roped into the project to assist with training and to ensure the garden ran as a business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now they have bank accounts and can save some money. The money does not go into their pockets. It gets deposited into their accounts when they get businesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe were severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, but things are looking good now. There are new markets that are coming on board to support us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, we have some challenges, but we are doing everything in our power,\u201d said Nkqayi, adding that the garden brought several health benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt saves me a lot of my pension money. During the month we are able to buy a lot of food. I am very active and healthy. My skin complexion is also beautiful.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
While most pensioners rely on their government grants to make ends meet, a group of small-scale food producers led by a 67-year-old pensioner is defying the 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