Local entrepreneur encourages residents to use their rooftops and backyards to plant vegetables
Thuthukani Khumalo, a Nobuhle Hostel resident in Alex, embarks on a mission to educate locals about the necessity to plant gardens on their rooftops and backyards.
A local entrepreneur and resident of Nobuhle Hostel, Thuthukani ‘Makoya’ Khumalo has embarked on a mission to educate locals about the importance of growing vegetables at their homes.
Khumalo who started his personal garden project in November to feed his family said vegetable gardens could play a huge role to alleviate hunger and poverty in South Africa.
Khumalo hails from the rural town of Ulundi on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal and arrived in Johannesburg in 2000 to look for greener pastures.
He said growing up in a rural area he learned the important skill of tilling the soil.
“I started this garden because I was tired of buying basic things like onion, spinach and cabbage. As someone who is not formally employed, I had to think out of the box to find ways to save the little financial leftovers I have. I also believe that alleviation of hunger and poverty starts with small initiatives like this one,” Khumalo said.
“The economic turmoil and food security problems faced by our country compel us at the ground level to come up with ideas that will enable us to feed ourselves. It is high time that we go back to the basics and teach youngsters about farming.”
He encouraged locals to consider using small spaces in their backyards to plant vegetables and stop depending on handouts.
“We must learn to use our space to produce food. It can either be the backyard or the roof of your house. We must also teach the younger generation the importance of vegetable gardens and the farming industry.”
Related Article:
IFP Youth Brigade in Alexandra visits party veterans to wrap up Youth Month
