As Mandela Month draws to a close, the people of Marikana in the North West have received a gift that will keep giving long after July ends: a food garden initiative designed to put fresh, nutritious food on household tables and money in community pockets.
The programme, reported by SAnews, is a partnership between the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, mining company Sibanye-Stillwater and the Mineworkers Development Agency (MDA), and it has already equipped 150 beneficiaries with gardening tools, seeds, seedlings and other production inputs — backed by ongoing technical support from the department’s extension officers.
Working the soil side by side
What set the launch apart was the way it was done. Rather than simply handing over equipment, North West Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Madoda Sambatha, officials from the MDA and Sibanye-Stillwater rolled up their sleeves and spent the day working alongside beneficiaries, sharing practical skills to help the gardens thrive for years to come.
“The aim is to empower families, schools and communities to produce food for themselves,” Sambatha told beneficiaries. “Beyond household consumption, surplus produce can be sold to generate an income and improve livelihoods.”
Food gardens were also established at local schools and in community backyard gardens, where learners and residents received hands-on training in sustainable food production and garden maintenance.
Schools reaping the rewards
At Marikana II Primary School, Principal Dikgang Andrew Phuza welcomed the boost for the school’s own garden.
“These contributions will strengthen our food garden and help us continue supporting our learners through improved food production. We are grateful for this investment in our school and community.”
Sibanye-Stillwater’s Executive Vice President for Stakeholder Relations, Thabisile Phumo, described the project as the start of something bigger. “This is the beginning of building resilient communities that are able to grow and provide food for themselves,” she said. “Through partnerships such as these, we can make a meaningful contribution to food security and sustainable development.”
Ubuntu in action
The initiative forms part of the province’s Mandela Month programme, honouring the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela by helping communities take practical steps towards sustainable livelihoods. The MDA and Sibanye-Stillwater have laid the foundation with vital infrastructure and equipment, giving beneficiaries room to expand their projects over time.
Sambatha said the province is eager to widen the net. “We are encouraged by the support of partners such as Sibanye-Stillwater and the Mineworkers Development Agency. Together, we can reach more communities and establish more food gardens that will not only feed families but also create opportunities,” he said.
It is a simple formula — seeds, skills and solidarity — and in Marikana it is already taking root.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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