In the heart of Southgate Mall and Value Market, a passionate group of individuals has revolutionised an urban space into a thriving agricultural hub.
The Boiphihlelo Food and Security Primary Cooperative, driven by a commitment to food security and community empowerment, has launched a transformative food garden project.
The project is playing a huge role in creating jobs in the community. Community members, who are part of the project, sell their produce with overhead costs covered by the Southgate CSI urban food security initiative.
The project is set to harvest cucumber, tomato, watermelon, green peppers, chilli, cabbage, celery, turnips, carrots, and peas in the summer season.
This groundbreaking initiative is the result of a dynamic collaboration between Southgate Mall & Value Market and Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA).
The partnership combines funding, expertise, and a community-centred approach, showcasing innovative methods in urban farming and sustainability.
The practical implementation of the Boiphihlelo Co-operative food garden project began with an agricultural training workshop in April 2024, where garden members were introduced to essential agroecology principles.
This foundation in sustainable agricultural practices, paired with the momentum generated through three subsequent workshops, highlights the critical role of education and collaboration in fostering long-term development.
By July, significant progress was made, with the installation of an electricity connection and the completion of irrigation, bed preparation, herb cultivation, and a borehole, ensuring access to water.
“At Southgate Mall and Value Market, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive meaningful change. By supporting the Boiphihlelo Co-operative’s food garden, we are not only sustainably utilising urban space but also contributing to the empowerment and upliftment of our local community,” explained Selina Seitshiro, general manager at Southgate Mall and Value Market.
Boiphihlelo Co-operative’s focus on income generation, employment opportunities, and education aims to foster sustainable growth and empower the community.
“As young people, we need to drive the food security. Be always on top of our game no matter how hard the markets are even against tremendous weather challenges,” explained Thami Mkhize, community project leader.
Their next phase will educate young people on food production, improving livelihoods and cultivating a new generation of farmers within the Joburg south community.
The Boiphihlelo Co-operative’s success serves as a replicable blueprint for urban agriculture initiatives.
By integrating agroecological principles, sustainable infrastructure, and community-driven development, this project demonstrates the power of collaborative partnerships in addressing food and water security challenges.
Seitshiro said: “We believe in partnerships driving meaningful change, contributing to our local community’s empowerment and upliftment.”
As this initiative continues to grow, it stands as a shining example for urban centres seeking to combine commercial development with food security solutions, harnessing agriculture’s potential to empower communities and create a sustainable future.
