I visited Ebuhleni be Mvelo Garden in Emzimhlophe, Ezenhloveni (Ward 39) yesterday, a community-driven urban farming project established in 2022 and registered as a non-profit company.
The garden was founded by Ms. Sarah Chauke and three other directors who are all passionate urban farmers working to improve food access in Orlando West.
The initiative focuses on empowering residents with practical farming skills. The team runs training programmes where community members learn how to dig trenches, prepare soil, plant, and use proper watering techniques. They also produce and sell organic spinach, kale, and onions, with spinach being especially high in demand due to its scarcity in the area.
Ms. Chauke emphasized the importance of household food production, saying, “Urban farming is a solution to food shortage in our ward. Every household should have a small vegetable garden so they can access affordable, organic vegetables that support their health.” Regular customers like Ms. Rosi Kotane and Ms. Merriam praised the garden for its fresh, affordable produce, with Merriam also reselling the vegetables to meet her customers’ demand for organic food.
However, the project faces challenges such as harsh weather conditions, lack of sponsorship for youth programmes, and a failing irrigation system. The team hopes to secure a greenhouse and a new irrigation system to sustain their work, while continuing to call for support to cover essential costs like equipment, stipends, and protective gear.