Urban farmers in Brackenfell have reached out to the community for help in caring for 480 fruit trees at the Suikerbossie Park Community Garden in Protea Village.
A BackaBuddy campaign has been launched to raise funds for the ongoing maintenance of the trees.
The garden, considered the heartbeat of the community, was inspired in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide food security to families in need.
Once a public open space plagued by crime, the land was transformed in 2022 by resident Mandy Leibbrandt and a group of volunteer gardeners, all locals from the neighbourhood. Together, they turned the barren two-hectare park into a thriving food garden, now home to 42 vegetable patches and 480 fruit trees.
To formalize their efforts, the non-profit Apple Tree Initiatives was established. The City of Cape Town supported the initiative by signing a five-year lease with the organization, allowing the use of the public park for urban farming.
“The vegetables are planted and nurtured by the gardeners,” says Leibbrandt. “Once a month, we have large harvests. The gardeners keep some for their own use, and the rest is bagged and delivered directly to 40 homes in need.”
Combat climate change
The trees, a mix of fruit-bearing and indigenous species were donated by the provincial department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries as part of an initiative to create an urban forest and help combat climate change.
The funds will go toward irrigation, pruning, seasonal feeding, and chemical-free pest control.
“Without proper care, the trees won’t grow strong, bear fruit, or give back to the community,” she adds. “We also urgently need funds for the workers and volunteers who maintain the paths, fix irrigation systems, weed, compost, and care for the garden. Even with small stipends, they’re not just uplifting the land, they’re uplifting themselves.”
“Because the garden is located on public land, the team isn’t allowed to generate income or operate a project-specific bank account. That’s where BackaBuddy steps in making it possible to raise the funds needed to keep Suikerbossie alive for the next generation.
“All funds raised go directly to Suikerbossie Park, and our financial records are open for inspection on request,” says Leibbrandt.
There’s also a unique opportunity for businesses to adopt a tree at R1 000 per year.
“Whether you donate R50, R500, or adopt a tree for R1 000 you’re feeding a forest, growing a future, and keeping Suikerbossie alive,” says Leibbrandt.
See more about the campaign at: Help Us Care for 480 Fruit Trees in Suiker… | BackaBuddy
