Four remarkable South Africans with deep roots in agriculture, community development and storytelling have been chosen to judge Shoprite’s inaugural Act For Change Food Garden Competition – and their combined expertise promises to bring both heart and insight to this groundbreaking initiative.
The competition, which closes for entries on 30 November, aims to celebrate community food gardens across the country that are doing more than just growing vegetables but are also growing hope, creating jobs and strengthening communities. With R1 million in tailored prizes up for grabs, the stakes are high, but so is the potential for real impact.
Also read: Enter now! Shoprite launches R1 million food garden competition
Agricultural entrepreneur with community at heart
Masimbonge Vuma brings a unique combination of technical expertise and grassroots understanding to the judging panel. Born in Cala in the Eastern Cape, this agricultural entrepreneur holds qualifications in both mechanical engineering and agricultural management, which are credentials that speak to both his analytical mind and hands-on farming experience.
But what sets Masimbonge apart isn’t just his impressive CV; it’s his journey from starting with nothing to building a viable farm and then using that success to help others in his community do the same.
“Being part of this competition means I can recognise the passion and effort behind these gardens,” he explains. It’s this combination of technical know-how and deep empathy for community struggles that makes him perfectly positioned to identify gardens that are truly making a difference.
The everyday magic of growing
For Mosa Seshoene, gardening isn’t just about having acres of land but about recognising that transformation can happen in the smallest spaces. This Centurion-based gardening advocate and third-generation farmer sees potential where others might see limitations. “You don’t need huge hectares to grow something meaningful,” she says. “Whether it’s a balcony or a windowsill, the act of cultivating is powerful.”
As someone who carries forward a farming legacy while adapting to modern urban realities, Mosa understands both traditional agricultural wisdom and contemporary challenges. Her perspective will be invaluable in recognising gardens that maximise impact regardless of size.
Urban agriculture pioneer
Ncumisa Mkabile has become synonymous with urban farming excellence in Khayelitsha, where she’s transformed unused land into thriving spinach fields. As a UNICEF Ambassador and founder of Dawana Fresh Produce, she’s proven that urban agriculture can be both sustainable and commercially viable.
But for Ncumisa, the real magic happens beyond the vegetables themselves. “It’s more than growing vegetables. It’s about growing people, community and hope,” she reflects. Her experience in turning challenging urban environments into productive agricultural spaces gives her a unique lens for identifying gardens that are truly transformative; not just for food security, but for community development and individual empowerment.
Also read: From seed to supermarket: Community food gardens take centre stage on Shoprite and Checkers’ Market Day
Storytelling meets soil
Angel Campey might seem like an unexpected choice for a gardening competition panel, but the comedian and broadcaster brings something essential: the ability to recognise and celebrate the human stories behind every successful garden.
Known for her vibrant connection with audiences, Angel has found her own source of joy and calm in gardening. “I’m thrilled to help shine a light on the people who turn soil into community strength,” she says. Her role will be crucial in identifying gardens that don’t just produce food, but produce narratives of resilience, creativity and community building – stories that deserve to be told and celebrated.
A shared vision for change
According to Sanjeev Raghubir, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Shoprite Group, these four judges embody the competition’s core values. “They bring together storytelling, sustainability and social impact – all rooted in a shared belief that a food garden can transform much more than what’s on your plate.”
Each judge offers different expertise – from hands-on farming and urban greening to communication and entrepreneurship – but they’re united in their understanding that gardens can build stronger, more self-sufficient communities.
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Why their expertise matters now
The timing couldn’t be more crucial. While the latest South African Food Security Index shows improvement (from 44.9 in 2023 to 56.5 in 2025), millions of households still struggle to access nutritious, affordable produce. Community gardens represent a practical solution that addresses multiple challenges simultaneously.
These gardens don’t just put fresh food on tables – they build practical skills, foster community connections and serve as hubs of innovation where participants learn sustainable growing methods and resource management.
What happens next
With entries closing on 30 November, the real work for these judges begins in January 2026, when they’ll select the Top 10 finalists from community gardens across South Africa. The winners, to be announced by 30 April 2026, will receive tailored support worth R1 million collectively – from irrigation systems and shade netting to fencing and training.
This support is designed to help winning gardens become even stronger and more resilient, amplifying their impact in communities that need it most. The competition is open to all community gardens serving broader communities, with entrants needing to be 18 or older. Those interested can enter online at Act For Change Food Garden Competition. Entry is free with no data costs.
As the competition unfolds, these four judges will be looking for more than just impressive vegetable yields. They’ll be seeking gardens that truly embody the spirit of transformation – places where soil becomes sustenance, communities become stronger and hope takes root alongside the crops.
Also read: Food security in SA is improving but many still go to bed hungry
