Youngsters lead food security drive in Richards Bay suburb
Aquadene's youth launched a community garden on Madiba Day
YOUTH in uMhlathuze Municipality’s ward 26 initiated a community garden in Aquadene at the weekend, in celebration of Madiba Day to promote the one home, one garden project to address food security and self-sustainability.
The venture was spearheaded by young leaders in the suburb, who have been working on vegetable gardens at their homes and are looking to expand the venture by inviting all youth in the community to get involved in subsistence farming.
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On 16 June, the Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation (ZCBF), through its relief project in partnership with businesses and representatives of the KZN Legislature, visited the youth in Aquadene to donate seedlings.
Inspired by their enthusiasm, the representatives returned on Madiba Day to support the launch of the community garden on Saturday.
Ward Councillor Leslie Joseph appealed to the business community to support the youth in this venture as the area will need to be fenced off and water tanks will have to be installed.
Community leader Luyanda Msane said the venture comes at a time when ‘many young people were trapped in economic obscurity’.
‘We have engaged the youth and found they are interested in farming. Our goal is for every home to have a garden and for people to use farming as a food security venture. Surpluses can be sold at markets.
‘The challenge of cows roaming in the suburb remains a concern and many women who have been planting here for years have been discouraged by the cows bulldozing through their crops.’
Msane said he hoped the initiative will help young people trapped in a cycle of substance abuse to channel their energy into healthy, productive options.
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