When your neighbour goes hungry, we all feel it. When communities come together to grow their own food, we all benefit. That’s ubuntu in action – and that’s exactly what Shoprite’s new Act For Change Food Garden Competition is celebrating.

By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming

Across South Africa, small pockets of green hope are rewriting the story of hunger, one harvest at a time. From city centres and rooftops to rural villages and township corners, from schoolyards to church plots, neighbours are joining hands to grow food and friendships. These ordinary people are doing extraordinary things, proving that when communities work together, amazing things happen.

Also read: MEC Ramokgopa, Nelson Mandela Foundation to host inaugural ‘Ending Hunger Symposium’

Now Shoprite is shining a light on these community gardens through the inaugural Act For Change Food Garden Competition, a national celebration of these local heroes growing change from the ground up. And they’re putting R1 million on the table to help these gardens grow even bigger and stronger.

What Makes this Different

With collective prizes of R1 million in the form of support tailored to each garden’s needs, this competition aims to recognise community food gardens’ contribution to local nutrition, environmental sustainability and community upliftment. But this isn’t about handing out cheques. Beyond simply acknowledging their efforts, the competition aims to join hands with these gardens, helping them grow stronger and make an even greater impact in their communities.

Each winning garden will receive tailored support in line with its specific needs, whether it be irrigation systems, shade netting, fencing or training for members. The winning garden will receive support to the value of R225 000, second place will receive support worth R200 000 and third place will receive support worth R170 000. The gardens placing fourth, fifth and sixth will receive support worth R150 000, R130 000 and R120 000 respectively.

Siyaphambili Women’s Club Kzn 1 — Siyaphambili Women’s Club, KwaZulu-Natal

Siyaphambili Women’s Club Kzn 2 — Siyaphambili Women’s Club, KwaZulu-Natal

Shoprite’s Proven Track Record

This competition isn’t coming out of nowhere. According to Shoprite, it has, over the past decade, invested in almost 300 community gardens as part of its commitment to tackling food insecurity and promoting sustainable livelihoods in the communities in which it operates. Together these gardens produced more than 106 000kg of fresh produce last year. But they do more than put affordable food on the table. They also help people develop agricultural skills and earn an income by selling surplus produce.

“We believe that lasting change starts at the grassroots. By investing in community food gardens, Shoprite is not only increasing access to fresh, nutritious produce but also equipping local communities with skills and opportunities,” says Sanjeev Raghubir, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Shoprite Group.

The Act For Change Food Garden Competition is open to all community gardens, whether independently run or currently receiving support from any local businesses in South Africa, like Shoprite, that support food gardens.

Also read: Food security in SA is improving but many still go to bed hungry

Why This Matters More Than Ever

According to the recently published South African Food Security Index 2025, food access and affordability are two of the country’s most pressing challenges. Even though the Index improved from 44.9 in 2023 to 56.5 in 2025, millions of households still struggle to access nutritious food.

Shoprite says community gardens offer a powerful solution. “They don’t just feed people, they uplift them. These gardens increase access to fresh produce, build local skills and foster shared responsibility, helping communities grow stronger.”

Shoprite Checkers Pty Ltd'S — The Dikonyana Community Based Care Centre in Mangaung. Photo: Supplied

Stories of Growth and Grit

Across South Africa, countless gardens tell stories of determination and hope, and these are the kinds of stories the Act For Change Food Garden Competition celebrates – real people driving real change, one seedling at a time.

Zama Ndlovu’s Journey in Orange Farm

In Orange Farm, Gauteng, Zama Ndlovu and her team of 16 members feed more than 200 people. They are also contracted to supply vegetables to hospitals including Chris Hani Baragwanath and Tembisa. With Shoprite’s support, the Vukasechaba Massive Fresh Produce Co-op installed irrigation systems, enabling them to expand the garden size and increase the quantity and variety of crops. This transformed the garden into a sustainable business.

“This journey started with a few women and a big dream,” says Ndlovu. “We wanted to do more than survive. We wanted to grow.”

Nomxoliswa Makhabane’s Success in Mpumalanga

Nomxoliswa Makhabane founded the Ekuqaleni Genesis Farm in Botleng, Mpumalanga, turning a small lockdown garden into a thriving hub that now feeds more than 150 people. Shoprite’s investment in shade netting, tunnels and permaculture training helped her team of six gardeners grow both a livelihood and a legacy.

“Seeing how our produce benefits people and introduces them to healthy, homegrown food keeps us motivated,” says Makhabane, a former construction worker who is now studying agriculture.

Ekuqaleni Genesis Farm Botleng, Mpumalanga 2 — Ekuqaleni Genesis Farm Botleng, Mpumalanga

How to Enter

To enter, participants should be 18 years or older.
Participants should represent a community-based food garden. (Private home gardens, private companies and close corporations are not allowed to enter.)
Include a short description of the garden’s history, purpose and community impact.
Upload photos of the garden as part of the entry.