Nontokozo Mchunu

Many had been living off recycling and piece jobs which were unfortunately closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The members of Vezokuhle community garden say growing food has been their saving grace.

The garden which only started with two people before lockdown now has seventeen members who produce fresh quality vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, carrots and potatoes for their families and the community. The number of young people who are in the project shows the residents are ready to change things around for the future.

Clairwood is known to be a truck hub and a place plagued by many issues such as lack of service delivery, pollution and crime. This project brings a new chapter to many who have fought against the severe impact of carbon emissions and industrial pollution in the area.

The members of Vezokuhle say they got tired of waiting for change and they were now doing it themselves. Nompumelelo Mathiyela says the experience has been rewarding and has showed her many qualities about herself.

“Starting something from scratch with your bare hands is an indescribable feeling, it is the reason why I wake up every morning,”said Mathiyela.

The PR ward Councillor, Sharmaine Sewshanker said the project was a step in the right direction for Clairwood and that more green spaces were needed.

“The amazing community has taken responsibility to clean up the area and turn it into a sustainable green space. The project has been doing well so for but the members of Vezokuhle have had challenges with tools, equipment, pesticides, landscaping etc,”said Sewshanker.

She has assisted them with contacting the department of agriculture and fisheries to grant the members with the necessary support. According to Sewshanker, department officials visited the site and were impressed with the success of the garden so far and agreed to help out with equipment.

She encouraged more communities in the south basin area to identify any piece of land that could be converted into a green space.

Picture: supplied