Clermont pensioner bears the ‘fruits’ of his labour
The 70-year-old with green fingers is also a Comrades Marathon who leads a healthy life.
ENVIRONMENTAL activist, Richard Ngcobo has used his green fingers to convert a deserted piece of land into a beautiful garden.
The Clermont pensioner’s efforts caught the eye of former KZN MEC of Agriculture and Rural Development, Themba Mthembu, who bought garden tools to help Ngcobo beautify the neighbourhood.
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The 70-year-old father of three said he recently applied to join the Municipality’s Adopt-a-Spot Programme and, if successful, the land will be contracted to him for a period of three years (renewable contract).
Mthembu and his team were incredibly impressed by Ngcobo’s garden and his fresh pineapple juice.
Speaking about his gardening project, Ngcobo said, “I do not plant just for my family, but for the community as well. I am used to working and spend almost the whole day in the garden.”
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Ngcobo, who grew up in Underberg, said his love for planting was instilled in him at a very young age by his grandfather.
“We would wake up at 2am to work in the garden, herd the cattle and then return to the garden again and rest at midday,” he said.
“Fresh fruits and vegetables are very healthy and taste nicer,” he said.
Ngcobo’s garden is filled with various fruits and vegetables which include mangoes, pineapples, peaches, apples, strawberries, bananas, avocado, mealies, spinach and even plant peanuts and beans.
The health fanatic is also an avid runner and has completed five Comrades Marathon.
As a member of the Pinetown District and Athletic Club (PDAC) he said he has also completed many short races and still does.
Almost every morning, before he begins his work in the garden, Ngcobo said he jogs from his home in Clermont to Cowies Hill.
“I remember being sick once when I was a child and I believe that the lifestyle I lead, plays a huge role in me being healthy,” he said.
Ngcobo has also taught his grandchildren to plant and the importance of trees and fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Even though they are still young, they do sometimes come out to help and they enjoy indulging in the strawberries,” smiled Ngcobo.
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