Miss World launches veggie garden at Leeukop prison
LEEUWKOP - Reigning Miss World, Rolene Strauss, played her part in alleviating poverty through the launch of her Beauty with a Purpose initiative in South Africa at the Leeuwkop Correctional Centre on 25 March.
The event was followed by an informal lunch at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton.
The initiative saw the continuation and expansion of a vegetable garden which will work towards alleviating poverty in the surrounding community.
Strauss, speaking in her capacity as Miss World, stressed the importance of making a difference in the lives of others; something she has always strived to do from a young age.
“It is important to not just give people fish, but to also teach them how to fish for themselves,” she said.
“As a little girl, my parents told me to do my bit for others and leave the world in a better state and I did that by working hard, being Miss South Africa and Miss World.”
Strauss also encouraged those present at the launch to assist in creating a better future for children by alleviating poverty in their lives.
About 6 000 square metres will be used for the initiative, with 16 selected inmates appointed to maintain the garden.
Senior correctional officer, Walter Morwakgomo, explained the benefits of working on such a project as a correctional service facility.
“It is an honour for us because this garden will be utilised to feed the disadvantaged and will also benefit inmates because of the skills they will acquire,” he said.
Inmates also expressed pride at doing their bit for the community, with James Correia, saying that getting involved with the garden gave him a sense of responsibility towards the community.
The vegetable garden project was started during Strauss’s reign as Miss South Africa on Nelson Mandela Day last year and saw vegetables such as beetroot, cabbage, potatoes and spinach being planted.
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