KNYSNA NEWS - Instead of simply handing out donations for Mandela Day, officials from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture spent Wednesday 15 July showing people how to grow food that could feed families long after the celebrations are over.

As part of its Mandela Day outreach, the department visited Vermont Old Age Home and Die Werkswinkel in Hornlee to establish food gardens and teach residents and participants the practical skills needed to maintain them.

Both institutions received topsoil, compost, vegetable seedlings, garden tools, watering funnels, garden consumables and water tanks to help launch the projects.

At Vermont Old Age Home, residents eagerly rolled up their sleeves to help establish 12 vegetable beds under the guidance of agricultural adviser Jerry Aries, who demonstrated the correct planting and watering techniques.

"The aim is to empower people to grow food for themselves and their families," said Aries. "If they eventually produce more than they need, they can even sell the surplus to earn an income."

He said the department hopes to expand similar projects to schools, where young people can learn the value of growing their own food and take those skills home to their families.

With water remaining a precious resource in Knysna, Aries also encouraged residents to harvest rainwater and reuse grey water where possible to keep their vegetable gardens thriving.

At Die Werkswinkel, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities, officials donated 12 raised planter boxes to make gardening accessible to wheelchair users and those who rely on crutches.

"The intention was to create a gardening space that everyone can use," said senior departmental official Michael Brinkhuis. "One of our department's core values is caring, and this initiative demonstrates that in a practical way."

Brinkhuis said he was encouraged by the number of colleagues who volunteered their time for the outreach project.

"We would also like to work with private partners to expand food gardening initiatives so that communities can eventually produce enough vegetables, not only to feed themselves, but also to donate to those in need or generate a small income."

The enthusiasm of participants at both institutions was evident throughout the day as they planted seedlings, asked questions and embraced the opportunity to learn new skills.

In the spirit of Nelson Mandela's legacy, the day was about far more than giving 67 minutes of service. It was about planting seeds of hope, dignity and self-reliance that could continue to grow for years to come.

A job well done. Officials from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and residents of Vermont Old Age Home admire the newly established food garden after rolling up their sleeves for the Mandela Day project. Photos: Hugo Redelinghuys

A participant waters one of the newly planted vegetable beds during the Mandela Day food garden project at Vermont Old Age Home.

Western Cape Department of Agriculture employees Phumla Mkatshwa, Deona Strydom and Michael Brinkhuis helped establish 12 raised vegetable planter boxes at Die Werkswinkel in Hornlee. Photo: Hugo Redelinghuys

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