Fifty fruit trees were planted at the Miriam Makeba Centre for Girls as part of the Meals on Wheels Community Services Agriculture Programme.
KAE Hustlers Women Cooperative was the beneficiary of this programme on June 28, in President Park, Midrand.
Ten plum, 10 peach, 15 nectarine and 15 pear fruit trees were planted within one hour and 30 minutes as community members joined forces to help the women.
Before the trees were planted, Tshediso Phahlane of Food and Trees for Africa demonstrated to the KAE Hustlers women and members of the Standard Chartered Bank how to plant fruit trees and the importance of watering the tree once planted.
Phahlane said KAE Hustlers invited them because they want to create an orchard within the agricultural side of the centre.
“I think everything went well; they wanted us to teach and train them how to plant fruit trees and how to maintain them. The community members were involved and pleased that everything went smoothly. Post this, we will get in touch with the beneficiaries and we will give them advice if they have challenges and provide solutions.”
Tshiamo Dichabe, the centre representative, said the event was special for them because they wanted to alleviate food shortages and were pleased that the women were beneficiaries.
“We want to mainstream women, youth and people with disabilities into the agriculture centre. To revive Miriam Makeba’s legacy because she was passionate and an ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. We also want to transform the agricultural system so that we get everybody involved.”
He said due to threats to food security, having such initiatives was innovative in ensuring that people produce food within their communities.
Raisibe Matsemela, founder and leader of KAE Hustlers Women Cooperative, said she was pleased that the women’s dream was taking a step in the right direction.
“I have no words to describe how I feel today. This is what we as Hustlers Women Cooperative always wanted and we are happy that this is a start. We will maintain the trees according to instructions of Food and Trees for Africa. I would also like to thank the centre, Meals on Wheels, Food for Africa and Standard Chartered Bank for supporting our initiative.”
Aaron Kubai, a trustee of the centre, said getting community members involved ensures the day goes smoothly.
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