Omnia reaffirms commitment to sustainable Agriculture and community development
Over 5000 children and youth have also benefited from farm-to-cafeteria programs as a result of the Omnia-GNBI Zamdela Food Gardens project.
SEDIBENG.- Omnia has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable agriculture and community development through a collaborative training event between Reel Gardening and the Zamdela Food Gardens, an Omnia-sponsored community project.
This was on the occasion of the United Nations (UN)-designated International Day of Plant Health (IDPH). The event, which took place in Sasolburg on Friday, aimed to educate community members on plant health
and care, raising awareness of the essential role plants play in addressing global issues such as hunger, poverty, biodiversity, and economic development.
Reel Gardening, an innovative company specializing in pre-fertilized, biodegradable seed tapes, facilitated the training session. These seed tapes allow for easy planting, and efficient water consumption, and promote healthy plant growth.
“At Omnia, we’re committed to fostering sustainable development and empowering communities. The International Day of Plant Health event, in partnership with Reel Life, the non-profit leg of Reel Gardening, and Zamdela Food Gardens, is a testament to that commitment. We’re proud to see the positive impact our support has had on the community, and we will continue to champion initiatives that promote a greener, more prosperous future for all,” said Ditebogo Malatsi, Senior Operations Manager at Omnia.
As part of the project, the Zamdela Community Food Project’s Omnia Grant Programme (ZCFPOGP), established in 2022, seeks to address food insecurity by fostering community self-sufficiency and promoting innovative agricultural practices. The program has had a significant impact on the community, distributing over 5000 kilograms of local, healthy food to more than 5000 people in 2022, increasing the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in low-income neighborhoods.
Victoria Riet, a benefactor of the Zamdela Food Gardens, shared her experience: “The training session with Reel Gardening was very informative. We gained a lot of knowledge on plant health and care, which will help us to grow healthier, more sustainable crops. The Zamdela Food Gardens project is truly making a difference in our community, and we are grateful for Omnia’s support.”
“We’re driven by our mission to uplift communities across South Africa by embracing sustainable practices
and fostering self-reliance. By collaborating with innovative partners like Reel Gardening and Zamdela Food Gardens, we are able to create positive change and help communities thrive. Our commitment to this vision is unwavering, and we are excited to continue making a difference through future initiatives,”
said Malatsi.
