Leafy keeps their tummies full

Unemployment not stopping ladies for playing the role of being breadwinners.

NO jobs and money did not prevent seven ladies from La Rochelle to put food on the table for their families.

Instead of moaning or instigating a protest, after they were told by their employer that their services are no longer required, they decided to harvest leafy vegetables (imfino in Zulu) in open velds around South Hills.

From the beginning of this year they have been looking for leafy vegetables in velds and it has been their daily job. The ladies say leafy is the only vegetable easy to get and quick to cook. Four out of the sevens ladies have husbands but they are not employed.

Ivy Pheke, one of the ladies said: “We have children and schools are reopening soon. We don’t have money to buy hampers for our children for lunch-box. But this leafy vegetable will help them until we receive a social grant. It pains me to scavenge food in velds as if I’m a hobo, but I’d rather be seen doing things this because as long as my children sleep with their stomachs full, I’m happy.”

The ladies told the COURIER they are looking for a stable and appropriate income to keep their respective families together.

LEAFY: Results of hard work in an open veld. Photo: Sibonelo Mtshali.

“I can’t even tell when was the last time I had a meal which included meat. But at least we aren’t selling our bodies to get money. This is the only way I see fit to support my family as I’m currently unemployed,” said one of the ladies.

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