Can you lend a helping hand?

The Krugersdorp news has decided to embark on a worthy community project, but needs the help of the community.

Editor Janine Viljoen recently received a call from Cynthia Motsomotso, a Mogale City Municipality representative, about a group of men trying to make a living out of nothing.

She invited Viljoen to go and take a look at what these men are trying to achieve.

Upon arriving in Kagiso, Viljoen was welcomed by the group of men who were working on a piece of open veld. They were clearing the area and preparing the soil to grow their own food.

Daniel Moagi told Viljoen about their struggle for survival and how they try to keep out of trouble.

He explains that a few grannies of Kagiso approached the municipality in 2004 about the piece of veld. They wanted to utilise the land as a food garden; however permission to use it was granted only in 2007.

“We saw some of the grannies trying to clean up the veld and we decided to help,” says Moagi.

In 2011 Moagi and a few of his friends started cleaning up the area and named it the Lewisham Community Business Initiative (Lecobi).

The men used their own equipment, but have lost some of it through theft over the years. The equipment they are using now is in a dire condition.

Even though they are in desperate need of help and guidance, their spirits are high and their will to carry on is inspiring.

Moagi says they are planning to redevelop the veld in three phases. The first phase is the food garden, and a flower garden will follow as the second phase. Then after registering Lecobi as a business, they want to open a car wash. Profit generated from the business will go towards the community and sustaining the food garden.

The food harvested from the garden will go towards numerous disadvantaged households in Kagiso.

“These grannies who started the project are the ones looking after the community now. They give everything to their children and grandchildren who are unemployed and we want to give something back to them.”

Eager to reach their goals, they are in desperate need of the following:

• Gloves, seedlings, fertilisers, sprinklers, storage space and gardening equipment

• A fence to secure the area

• Training in gardening and business management

Ruben Mofokeng, one of Moagi’s colleagues currently sleeps in a make-shift shack at night to keep a watchful eye on the area, but Lecobi needs proper security.

How can you help?

The news is calling on the community of Krugersdorp to help make Lecobi a success.

“Any help in any shape or form will be accepted,” says Viljoen.

“By helping these men to uplift their community you will ensure that future generations benefit. Together we can build a better, brighter and healthier community by lending a helping hand.”

Become involved by calling Viljoen on 011 955 1130 or send an email to krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za.

You also can contact Moagi on 078 599 1422.