If you think urban farming in Soweto is just for grandmothers with a few spinach plants in the backyard, think again. A new generation of young, ambitious and entrepreneurially minded Soweto residents is discovering that the soil beneath their feet is one of the most powerful economic tools available to them — and organisations like Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions are giving them the professional training to unlock it.
On Wednesday 21 May 2026, a dedicated group of urban farming practitioners gathered at the Ubuhle be Mvelo Hall in Orlando West for a structured, hands-on training session that covered one of the most critical and underutilised techniques in modern crop production: mulching. The training, funded by DRD Gold Company, is part of a broader programme aimed at building a self-sufficient and commercially viable urban farming community right here in Soweto.
What is Mulching and why does it matter?
The training session was facilitated by Mr. Kwena Chipi and Ms. Nhlanhla Mahlangu of Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions, who brought both technical expertise and a passion for empowering township communities through urban farming in Soweto. The main topic of the day was mulching — a technique that involves covering the soil around crops with organic or inorganic material to regulate temperature, retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Mr. Chipi, speaking to the farmers with clarity and conviction, emphasised that mulching is not an optional extra but a year-round necessity for any serious urban farmer. “Mulching limits and protects plants from getting too much heat from the sun, and from excess water during the rainy season,” he explained. “If you want consistent crops and consistent income, mulching must become part of your daily farming practice.” For urban farming in Soweto, where space is limited and growing conditions can be unpredictable, this technique is a game-changer.
“Mulching limits and protects plants from getting too much heat from the sun, and from excess water during the rainy season. If you want consistent crops and consistent income, mulching must become part of your daily farming practice.”
— Mr. Kwena Chipi, Facilitator, Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions
Crop rotation: The secret weapon of profitable Urban Farming
Beyond mulching, the farmers were also introduced to the principles of crop rotation — a practice that involves systematically changing the type of crop grown in a specific area each season to prevent soil depletion and reduce pest infestation. For urban farming in Soweto to be truly sustainable and financially viable, soil health must be maintained over the long term, and crop rotation is one of the most effective ways to achieve this.
The farmers engaged enthusiastically with both topics, asking questions and sharing their own experiences from their plots and gardens. Ms. Nhlanhla Mahlangu guided the discussions with patience and expertise, ensuring that every participant left with a clear, practical understanding of how to apply these techniques immediately in their own urban farms.
Young people of Soweto: This is your time to Farm and Earn
If you are young and sitting at home wondering where your next income is coming from, urban farming in Soweto deserves your serious attention. The global food production industry is worth trillions of rands, and the demand for locally grown, fresh produce in townships like Soweto is massive and growing every day. You do not need a farm in the Free State to get started. You need a small patch of soil, the right knowledge, and the willingness to learn.
Programmes like the Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions training, funded by DRD Gold, are specifically designed to give township residents — especially young people — the professional skills to grow, sell and scale their urban farming operations. From mulching to crop rotation, from seedling selection to market linkages, urban farming in Soweto is a full economic ecosystem waiting to be unlocked by the next generation of green entrepreneurs.
Umsizi and DRD Gold: Investing in Soweto’s Green Future
The partnership between Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions and DRD Gold Company in funding this urban farming training in Soweto is a powerful demonstration of what responsible corporate investment in township communities looks like. Rather than writing a cheque and walking away, DRD Gold has invested in building real, transferable skills that will outlast any once-off donation.
The farmers who attended the 21 May 2026 training at Ubuhle be Mvelo Hall walked away not just with knowledge about mulching and crop rotation — they walked away with the confidence that urban farming in Soweto is a legitimate, respected and professionally supported career path. Loxion Express will continue to follow and celebrate the growth of urban farming in Soweto. The soil is ready. The training is here. The only question is: are you?