A support group for Djo BeNkuna has been started to assist the Cabbage Bandit through what is about to become a landmark case for all gardeners across SA.
Pretoria, South Africa (15 September 2021) – Gardners are peaceful folks who draw great happiness from spending time outdoors. Gardeners are also incredibly giving, from sharing advice to sharing excess crops, seeds and more. If you have a food gardener in your family, you will know how much they love to share their love of gardening.
A recent Facebook post by Djo BaNkuna has caused a massive stir in South Africa and the gardening community.
Djo BaNkuna is currently the subject of criminal charges issued by his local metro for the act of growing cabbages and onions on his front lawn, an act that is often celebrated right here on Good Things Guy!
Djo has been growing food on his front lawn for the last three years. From a healthy pumpkin patch to an unbelievable sweet potato crop. This year he planted cabbages. Before long, the cops came knocking, threatening Djo with jail time if he didn’t remove the free crop from his front yard.
Djo shared his entire experience on Facebook, and the post went viral. It has inspired many South Africans to plant cabbages for Djo “Cabbage Bandit” BaNkuna. Not only have fellow gardeners gone on to plant cabbages, but a support group has also been started.
The support group is not raising funds, merely awareness for Djo. It is becoming a space where people share their own pavement gardens and celebrate the rebellious act of growing food for others.
Djo shared an update on Facebook to explain what has happened since his original post went viral.
“The might of the law has been unleashed upon me and my cabbage patch. At around midday, five TMPD police cars convoyed to my place (two Van’s and three other cars). About 16 officers in total. I was served two documents: (1) with a Criminal Procedures Act Notice to Appear at the Wonderboom Municipal Court on 23/11/2021. I am charged with: “intentionally interfere in any manner to the property of the Municipality” by planting cabbage outside at the corner (exact quote). (2) I am Issued the maximum fine of R1500 to be paid within 30 days and permanent criminal record for planting cabbage and onions. No by-law cited.
The Cabbage Bandit chooses the option of going to defend ourselves in court. So the next stop is court on 23/11/2021 (Address: 3050 Daan De Wet Nel Dr, Winternest AH, Akasia in Pretoria North). A Section 27(1)(b) Constitutional Constitutional Court application is also a reality. We must change our outlook towards achieving food security. The road is long, but enlightenment is near. We must not give up, no matter what we face. Thank you for the support, prayers and offer of assistance.
Remember: You buy a vegetable and you feed a family, you cultivate a garden you feed a community. I am not afraid.”
If you would like to join the support group, you can do so here.
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