TRACY Tsikwa has made it her mission to make sure the elderly are fed and that they get to know more about farming.
The 58-year-old is fondly known as GogoTracy from Jackson Drift informal settlement, south of Johannesburg.
Tsikwa and other elderly people launched a garden-planting programme to support their families and, at the same time, educate others about farming.
Tsikwa said René Parker has been a pillar of strength as she helped get farmers involved in the programme to assist and educate the elderly about farming.
The garden doesn’t only benefit the elderly, but also other people in the settlement who are struggling financially.
Tsikwa told the COURIER the garden has grown to such an extent that they are thinking of expanding it to plant more vegetables. The garden includes spinach, cucumber, tomato and potatoes.
“Seeing the garden so big makes me happy and excited. Since we started this garden, we have been working hard in making sure it is being watered. Our aim is to see this garden provide food for lots of people in the settlement, especially elderly people,” said Tsikwa.
Tsikwa also runs a day-care centre while she monitors the garden.
“I have instructed the elderly to make it a point to take care of the garden even in my absence. This project in partnership with the elderly was the greatest thing ever,” added Tsikwa.
René Parker said, “I’m proud of these elderly individuals of Jackson. They have even started their own gardens at their respective homes. This is truly impressive. Also, not forgetting Rietvlei for helping a lot in providing necessary tools to sustain the garden.”
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