By Nangamso Mabindla
10 May 2004

A GROUP of 12 unemployed residents of NU1 Mdantsane are expecting to reap rich rewards after a donation secured by a local councillor enabled them to set up a community garden.

Determined to not become unemployment statistics, the Mdantsane senior citizens approached Councillor Nontshukumo Sobandla with their community garden plan.

Moved by the group's plight, the councillor for Ward 36 agreed to assist. "We were asked to have special projects that will form part of the Mdantsane Urban Renewal Programme," Sobandla said. "This project is one of them."

Under the renewal programme, Buffalo City granted R22 000 to each ward councillor of 14 wards in Mdantsane to spend on community development schemes. "We bought three watering cans, three spades and other tools," said Sobandla, adding that fertiliser and seeds were also bought with this budget.

Sobandla also approached the provincial Department of Social Development for help from qualified teachers, and the project began in January. "I wanted the people to be taught skills on caring for vegetables and ways to take care of them for a successful garden."

For the 12 gardeners this proved to be the answer to their prayers. "We wanted to plant vegetables so that we could sell them. We could then take the money home," said Mzimkulu Tom.

The group also received food parcels from the Department of Social Development to assist them in their efforts. "We did not want to sit down and feel sorry for ourselves - that is why we decided to use the urban renewal programme for our benefit. We are happy that someone out there listened to our pleas," said Tom.

The group said they planned to become self-sufficient, selling produce for profit and providing food for their families, and would continue until they became too old to work.