Transnet National Port Authority, Dredging Services commemorated 67 minutes for Nelson Mandela International Day at the ‘Vuka Community Farm’, a Non-Profit Organization called Ikusasa Lethu Youth Organization that focuses on food security under the theme “One Home, One Garden”.
Ikusasa Lethu Youth Organization currently operates a Vuka Community farm, in Odidini assisting in the sustainability of the livelihoods of community members. Dredging services employees traveled to Umbumbulu to donate gardening equipment to the newly established branch of the community farm, which encourages food security for the impoverished community it operates in.
TNPA also provided fencing for security purposes. In conjunction with the gardening tools and fencing, iKusasa Lethu also received 1000 seedlings to be planted in the new garden. TNPA Employee volunteers participated in planting the various seedlings in the new garden.
“Our current produce confines our aid to the Odidini community, the new farm will be making a broader impact for the Umbumbulu community,” said NPO Director Mondli Shangase. The produce acquired from the vegetable garden is also distributed to older community members to help them to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“When the elderly receives their prescriptions from the clinic, they are advised to maintain a healthy diet by eating balanced and nutritious meals before taking their medication, the produce we grow contributes to that nutritious diet” he added.
Ikusasa Lethu Youth Organization also received water tanks to help maintain their garden. “We have a water crisis in South Africa, the water tanks will ensure fresh rainwater is stored and used to cultivate the vegetables to sustain them” said TNPA Dredging Services Executive Manager Mzothule Zikalala.
