To wrap up Mandela Month, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim, today, 31 July 2024, planted a vegetable garden in Gugulethu with project beneficiaries. In line with this year’s Mandela Month theme, it is still in your hands to combat poverty and inequity, Councillor Pophaim launched the garden located at the Erf 8448 housing project.
‘It was meaningful to work with the beneficiaries of our Erf 8448 housing project, which makes up a part of our Gugulethu Infill project, to plant the seedlings, which will eventually become their community garden. Together with ward councillors, community leaders and residents, we have very literally used our hands to create something which will leave a lasting legacy. Every time the residents maintain the crop of spinach and tomatoes, or dig up an onion and cabbage to make some nutritious, tasty soup, they will be reminded of the community spirit with which it was planted.
‘By planting this garden, we embody the spirit of Mandela Day, which is about more than just one day, it’s about inspiring us to take action for more than just 67 minutes. It has been inspiring to see the various ways the City has paid tribute to Tata Madiba this month. I can think of no better tribute to the great man we are honouring today by leaving the lasting impact of fresh, healthy produce to the Gugulethu community.
‘His legacy continues to inspire us all to do more, do it better, and do it for the people who most need it. This vegetable garden is a testament to Mandela’s values of community, empowerment, and sustainability. By working together to plant and grow our own food, we honour his legacy and build a stronger, more resilient Gugulethu. Human Settlements delivery is more than housing, it’s about fostering sustainable communities,’ said Co
