Maluleke gardens with purpose to share knowledge

This year 2018 was the third year Garden Day was celebrated and it is the brainchild of a group of enthusiastic gardeners who wanted to share their love for gardening with others and also encourage people to garden.

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The NEWS had the opportunity to chat with Amon Maluleke  who is passionate about gardening.

The story of Maluleke is of love and passion for gardening that started 10 years ago when he saw a woman gardening.

Born in Limpopo where agriculture is the way of life, Maluleke was pleased and interested when he saw a woman growing vegetables in a small patch of an abandoned bowling green next to Ellis Park.

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“One of my subjects in primary and secondary school was agriculture. Seeing that woman reminded me of my upbringing and education, and I said to myself I must use my knowledge to contribute to developing this food garden,” recalled Maluleke.

He said when he learned the municipality had given permission for the land to be developed for a food garden as part of a poverty alleviation project in an inner-city suburb that had fallen on hard times, he was very interested.

At the time he was employed as a security guard.

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He approached the city council to volunteer his services in the development of a food garden that would cover the entire bowling green which is an area of about 5 000 square metres.

The city liked the idea and contributed a starter pack consisting of tools, seeds, watering cans and a hosepipe.

“When the city gave me my starter pack I did not leave my job. I continued my duties as a security guard at night and worked in the food garden during the day. Occasionally some of the locals would join me to help,” explained Maluleke.

He said it was not easy to do his night and day duties but love inspired him to carry on.

“From time to time, private companies made donations to the food garden, such as irrigation equipment and organic fertilizer,” said Maluleke.

Because of his love and passion for gardening, the lack of manpower did not hinder his work in the garden which developed and started producing.

“I started selling fresh vegetables to the local supermarket, residents in the area and at weekend food markets.

“I used the income to develop and maintain the food garden and to pay casual labourers as well,” said Maluleke.

He said the money he made from the garden helped him to sustain his family back in Limpopo.

“The garden allowed me extra money to support my family. Even when I was no longer employed as a security guard I was still able to support my family from selling the produce,” shares Maluleke.

Ten years later Maluleka is still gardening and living off the work his hands have accomplished in the garden.

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He recently accepted a job to establish and maintain a food garden at the Thembalami Care Centre old age home which falls under Rand Aid.

“I needed a more secure source of income and accepted the new job. But I still love the garden in Ellis Park and I was happy to move with confidence.

“The Bertrams food garden continues to thrive. Refiloe Molefe, who has been working with me for some time, and with the help of her children, is able to continue maintaining the garden,” said Maluleke.

He said he is ready for the new journey ahead because he will be able to pass his knowledge to the community.

“I want to develop an education hub where I can teach people from local communities and schools to grow their own food. Food gardening is very therapeutic and provides a new challenge every day. Most importantly, it is a way to alleviate poverty and unemployment. Gardening can empower people with skills to grow their own food and even start a business and create jobs,” said Maluleke.

His new food garden now supplies fresh produce for residents of the old age home.

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