In a true “from-trash-to-treasure” tale, a dumpsite has been transformed into a thriving community garden, bringing hope, food, and employment to the Mathandubisi area in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal.
Howick, South Africa (22 October 2024) – New life has been breathed into an area that once lay heaped and mounded with trash and rubble.
An illegal dumpsite has been turned into a flourishing garden which is set to grow nutritious vegetables to feed the Mathandubisi community.
This remarkable transformation speaks to the incredible power of people taking ownership of their land for the greater good of their loved ones and the environment.
“The goal is to transform underutilised spaces and turn them into entities that provide employment, eliminate poverty, uplift and beautify our communities,” the Masithokoze Garden Initiative explains.
With the support of Love Howick and the Social Employment Fund (SEF), the Masithokoze Garden Initiative has seen people roll up their sleeves to bring upliftment and change to their area instead of watching it waste away into ruins.
With around 80% of the work completed, the team has begun planting trees and vegetables, showing the incredible strides they’ve made.
“Through this initiative several employment opportunities have been created, allowing families to better support themselves.
“Some employees have even shared how this work has enabled them to move their children to better schools,” Love Howick shares.
This initiative has sparked new partnerships with organisations and businesses, providing the garden with essential resources like seedlings and equipment.
The garden is still a work in progress with challenges such as limited workdays available to staff, Love Howick explains.
But despite these hurdles, the team continues to push forward, driven by the impact they’re making in both lives and the environment, to revitalize their surroundings and build a brighter future!
Sources: Love Howick / Masithokoze Garden Initiative
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