Garden puts fresh vegetables on menu for orphanage

A group of unemployed women in the Man­kweng area are running a cooperative named Phela O Phedisa, which translates to ‘live and let live’, with the aim of supporting orphans in the area.
A statement issued by Kelly Atherton on behalf of Shoprite on Monday informed that the 16-member cooperation started in 2009 comprises a 10 ha site. “The cooperative sells vegetables locally and also donates a portion of its produce to a local orphanage. Vegetables such as spinach, beetroot and onions are produced, with indigenous crops like cow peas, maize and peanuts being grown in the rainy season.”
This is done as a way of giving back to the community and the local leadership who provided the land for the garden. Members of the cooperative are reportedly currently engaged in talks with companies specialising in water drilling in an attempt to address the ongoing water shortage.”
Their cooperative has attracted Shoprite who have through their implementation partner Food and Trees for Africa, stepped in by providing infrastructure support and training. “The retailer ensured that the vegetable garden was upgraded and provided equipment and tools. The cooperative also benefited from planting materials and resources,” the statement read.
Kwena Bopape, secretary of the cooperative was quoted to have said people are happier since Shoprite came to their assistance. “We are growing more vegetables now and we are always in the garden. We hope that Shoprite will help us so that we can one day produce enough vegetables to supply to their stores.”

Story: Herbert Rachuene
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