FOSTERING COMMUNITY GROWTH THROUGH FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
Meet Toni Khulule and Xolani Siswana, the visionary owners of the Spring Foundation Project, a
1.2-hectare garden at the Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital in Mitchells Plain. Their remarkable journey began when Toni, a former garden worker, joined forces with Xolani to establish a flourishing oasis. Support from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) and Casidra has been pivotal, providing:
- An efficient irrigation system for optimal water management;
- Quality seedlings and essential gardening tools for abundant harvests;
- Water tanks to ensure reliable storage;
- A cold freezer to maintain the freshness of produce;
- Shade netting for protected crop cultivation; and
- Overalls to ensure safe working conditions.
What sets this initiative apart is its role as a therapeutic space for hospital patients, enhancing psychological well-being through engaging in farming activities. “We appreciate the backing from the WCDoA and Casidra, which has been essential to us, and we feel empowered,” says Khulule.
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