Madiba’s legacy keeps growing
YEOVILLE - Staying true to the ethos of Mandela Day, the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund is developing a permaculture at Yeoville Boys Primary School.
A permaculture is an ecological design system for sustainability which includes teaching people how to grow their own food garden.
“We are working with Food & Trees for Africa to grow food for orphans and vulnerable children who depend on the feeding scheme, which is for some, their only meal of the day,” said Gauteng and Free State programme specialist Fikile Ngcobo.
“In addition, the food garden is showing parents, school gardeners, the educators and other interested members of the community, how to start their own food gardens at home, thus reaching far beyond the limits of the school.”
The day aimed to celebrate Mandela’s birthday by encouraging the continuation of his legacy of compassion. Mandela’s example of how the power of a single person can significantly change the world, was a key motivation in the formation of social enterprise, Food & Trees for Africa.
“Back in 1990 when I founded what is today a leading organisation addressing greening, food security, climate change and sustainable livelihoods, Nelson Mandela’s determination, focus and humanity inspired me to realise that one person could change things for the better,” said Jeunesse Park, founder of the social enterprise. This also inspired Food & Trees for Africa’s motto, One can make a difference.
Over the past two decades the organisation has worked on numerous projects with the former statesman, including the planting of a forest at his home in Qunu, the opening of the Nelson Mandela Park in Mamelodi and the planting of many trees in Alexandra. The organisation is also proud to have his wife, Graça Machel, as a patron.
“We encourage everyone to take the opportunity to keep alive the special day and the ideas of good-heartedness associated with it and with Tata himself,” said Park.
