Kenny Ndzondani, the 65-year-old founder of Izwi Lendalo Co-Op based in Ndisani Locality, Mthatha, is reaching out for assistance in acquiring a tractor to sustain his vegetable ploughing activities.
Initially part of a 20-member team, the co-operative now operates with six members due to various commitments pulling others away. Since starting his ploughing journey in 2004, Ndzondani has harboured a deep passion for the work, finding joy in the growth of seeds into plants.
After losing his job in 2003, Ndzondani resolved to ensure that his family would not face hunger, committing to use his own efforts to provide for them.
“I told myself that I would never watch my children starve, instead I would use my hands to put food on the table. I am still doing that even though I am very old now. My children are the ones who are taking the baton now,” said Ndzondani.
This dedication continues today, with his children now joining him in this endeavour. The cooperative extends its impact by donating vegetables to students from various schools and selling produce to stores in Mthatha.
Despite receiving financial support from the Department of Social Development in 2008, the cooperative has faced significant setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which devastated their resources and equipment, including Ndzondani’s tractor and vehicle.
The pandemic forced them to rebuild from the ground up, taking small steps towards recovery.
“It affected us a lot, because everything that we used to have was damaged; now we are starting from scratch, and we are taking it one step at a time. Even my tractor and my vehicle that I used to use are now broken. We are really suffering, but if we can get help it would be easy for us to continue with our work.”
Ndzondani has been a supplier to several schools, including Xolilizwe Senior Secondary School, Vulinkundla Primary School, Sangoni Primary School, and Velalanga Primary School. He is open for assistance and can be contacted at 073 236 8266 for those who wish to support his and the co-operative’s efforts to continue their valuable work.
