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www.thevillagenews.co.za
10 February 2021
Community food garden for Mt Pleasant O ne of the biggest challenges for Just Care during the lockdown was to assist the Mount Pleasant families of their aftercare children with everything from food parcels to masks, blankets and dog food. Assisted by other NPOs such as HAWS and Food4Love, founder Jacquie Rathfelder, her staff and several volunteers were able to support many families in need until their children could return to school. Realising that a more sustainable solution was needed to feed Mount Pleasant’s families, Jacquie had many discussions with community members and approached the municipality for assistance in starting a community food garden. With the support of LED projects coordinator Luvo Bomvana and his colleague Vuyolwethu Gwantshu, a pocket of municipal land next to the Moffat Hall was identified.
The area was cleared and fenced, water was installed, and generous donors started contributing seedlings and compost. Beautiful wooden plant boxes were built by Trevor Nkoyi and his team that were soon sprouting nutritious vegetables.
It was therefore a happy day when the Just Care Community Garden was officially handed over to the Mount Pleasant community, who have formed a committee that will be running the project. Luvo will be working closely with them and assist with the cultivation of the vegetables and furthering the project. “Thank you to all the role players who worked tirelessly to get this project off the ground and to establish this garden for the benefit of the community,” said Jacquie at the handover. “It was a real collaborative effort.”
Vuyo (LED) with members of the Mount Pleasant committee, Ethel, Gaynor, Rodney, Peter, Jerome and Luvo (LED) at the handover of the Just Care Community Garden. PHOTOS: Taylum Meyer
