By Robyn Joubert
A small Free State food garden opened in 2012 to combat hunger is flourishing under the leadership of its founder, Selina Majafi. Not only is the garden providing hundreds of meals each week, but it is providing hope through sustainable skills development.
Dikonyana Community Based Care Centre in Namibia Square, Mangaung, was launched to support a community grappling with poverty. Today, the garden is feeding over 130 people daily and has expanded its meal services from three to five days, selling any surplus fresh produce to further develop the garden.
“I saw a growing need to care for vulnerable children and families in my area. I felt compelled to create a safe space to offer support where it was desperately needed,” said Selina.
The project is also nurturing long-term food security by transferring sustainable agricultural skills to unemployed youth, schools and community members, who can use their new skills to generate income and establish homestead gardens.
Selina’s efforts are gaining attention and in August 2024 she was awarded the MEC’s Special Award at the Women Entrepreneur Awards, presented by the Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs.
A partnership with Shoprite’s Act for Change programme and CHEP has been key to their success by providing the gardeners with hands-on permaculture training, essential inputs such as seeds, seedlings and fertiliser, and infrastructure such as fencing, shade netting and a water harvesting system.
“The support from the community and partners like Shoprite keeps me going. Seeing the joy and gratitude on the faces of those we serve, fills me with pride and reminds me that our work truly matters,” she says.
Selina’s garden is one of over 250 community food gardens supported by Shoprite’s food garden programme in Southern Africa.
Sanjeev Raghubir, Shoprite Chief Sustainability Officer, said: “We are committed to strengthening the resilience of the communities we serve. Food gardens enable vulnerable communities to become more self-sustaining, making them a crucial part of our strategy to help address food security in South Africa.”
