The Tara Road Community Garden in the Bluff, Durban. A group of unemployed women cleared a patch of vacant, unused land and started a thriving community food garden. | Willem Phungula
Durban — Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has vowed to make the agricultural sector the country’s number one job creator and economic driver.
The DA leader commemorated Women’s Day by visiting the Tara Road Community Garden on the Bluff in Durban. There, a group of unemployed local women embarked on a wonderful initiative by gathering their community together to clear a patch of vacant, unused land and start a thriving community food garden.
Steenhuisen vowed to do incredible things in his department that would create jobs and grow exports and the economy.
Steenhuisen said that in the last quarter of 2023, the country’s agriculture exports grew by 27%, which he said was a huge jump in growth that would create jobs.
Out of the 42% of unemployed people in the country, the large majority were unskilled, he said, adding that industrial and agricultural processes were the engine room for job creation.
“To the naysayers, I say watch this space because I will do incredible things in the department,” said Steenhuisen.
The food garden initiative has not only grown into a viable small business, where produce is sold in local markets but supplies various community feeding schemes which feed hundreds of Bluff residents, Steenhuisen said.
“Active citizenry, coupled with the will of these women to make a real and tangible difference in their communities, have created work and opportunity for local residents and are keeping hungry and vulnerable community members fed,” he added.
“There is no greater contribution that a community member can make in a country where millions go to bed hungry every day.
“The DA is celebrating this selfless women-led project by donating a second JoJo water tank, tools and equipment, and trays of seedlings to the community garden.
“We are assisting with the construction of a secure foundation for the existing water tanks and securing the garden perimeter with new fencing,” he said.
Steenhuisen said the DA would ensure that these vital community projects were advanced and expanded to address the dual crises of hunger and unemployment in society.
It was projects like the Tara Road Community Garden that prove what South African women are capable of when empowered and given the resources necessary to be leaders in our society, Steenhuisen said.
“South African women have always played a vital role in the development of our nation, and this Women’s Day, the DA pays tribute to each and every woman who strives to make our country a better, more prosperous place,” he said.
Ward 66 eThekwini councillor Zoe Solomons was grateful for the donations, particularly the fencing equipment. Solomons said thieves stole the JoJo tank but fortunately police recovered and returned it.
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