Elders’ gardens feed the poor
KwaThema - The elderly people of Dlaulale Agricultural Co-operative have joined hands to help feed the poor residents in their community.
The project was started three years ago by Mapula Nhlapo (65).
She says she has always loved working in the garden in her backyard.
“I believe in healthy eating and keeping fit.
“I don’t trust some of the vegetables sold in the supermarkets because they have chemicals which might affect one’s health negatively.
Read: Senior citizen encourages gardening
“I decided to start my own vegetable garden. That way I know what goes into my vegetables.”
She says she shared some of the produce with her relatives and poor neighbours.
“I felt that my small garden was not helping enough people.
“I decided to invite some of the elderly and unemployed people in the area to join me.
“We identified a piece of land where we started the project.
“This was to empower them to be able to support their children and keep busy during the day.”
Nhlapo adds that most of the pensioned people in the area don’t have anything to do.
“They end up being depressed and stressed because they are always on their own.
“Through the project we are able to keep them busy and share advice,” she says.
She says that once a month they cook their produce for the community.
Another member of the project, Fannie Masemola (36), says they also sell their produce in the community.
“The profit is used to buy the seeds to be able to sustain the project.
Masemola says they are pleading with anyone who can donate working tools to come forward.
Read: Food garden puts food on the table
“We also need seeds, safety uniforms and a security fence.”
“The donation will help us to cover more households and centres in the area,” he says.
The group can be contacted on 081 598 8164 (Fannie Masemola).
