By Erin Martin
On 7th November, the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR) hosted an inspiring gardening and co-operative awareness training session at Haqua in Riversdale. With GCBR representatives Leila Moosajee, Marinda van As, Erin Martin, two members from GCBR MAB Youth Forum (Julia Thonjeni and Mark Mkani), and around twenty CWP (Community Work Programme) workers, the day was set for impactful learning and community-building. The session was expertly led by Saniek du Toit from Groei Saailinge, who guided the gardening workshop, and Shane Mukhari from SEDA Western Cape, who introduced participants to the power of co-operatives.
Getting Our Hands Dirty: Cultivating a Shared Vision for the Garden
The morning began with the gardening session, where Saniek du Toit emphasised the importance of a clear vision in creating a thriving garden. She stressed that, just like any venture, a garden flourishes when thoughtfully planned and well cared for. Participants divided into three groups to tackle the different stages of garden planning. Group 1 focused on layout, determining where each type of vegetable, fruit, and herb would go. Group 2 labelled each plant on painted rocks, a creative touch that would avoid confusion and add personality to the garden. Group 3 researched “companion plants” to discover which plants grow well together and enhance each other’s health.
By the end of the session, a total of 584 plants were rooted in the soil. The garden now boasts an impressive variety: herbs, berry plants, vegetable seedlings, and seeds of all kinds. Each participant played a role, from preparing planting holes and adding nutrients to carefully watering the fresh seedlings. The hands-on experience and teamwork instilled a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Building a Better Future: Lessons in Unity and Economic Empowerment
Next, Shane Mukhari’s Co-operative Awareness training captivated the group with a session on building community strength and self-sufficiency. Shane addressed how collaboration could uplift communities and drive economic growth. He illustrated this with an example from the company KOO; a small co-operative of women who turned their passion for farming into an iconic brand.
The training explored themes of gender and social equity, pointing out how cultural stereotypes often limit women’s potential by confining them to traditional roles. Shane urged participants to recognise that men and women alike hold valuable talents, and he underscored the need to rise above social barriers. With a metaphor close to everyone’s heart, he likened a successful community to a “potjiekos”, the popular South African stew, where each ingredient is essential, and every person’s unique “ingredient” adds flavour to the final dish.
By the end of the session, Shane’s message resonated deeply: that unity, a strong vision, and a commitment to economic independence could create more resilient, thriving communities. He encouraged everyone to focus on self-sufficiency over reliance on social grants, fostering a spirit of empowerment that would stay with them long after the session ended.
Sharing Food and Fellowship
After a morning of hard work and meaningful discussions, it was time for a hearty meal. The group gathered to enjoy vetkoek, a traditional South African fried bread, and cold drinks. Laughter and conversation filled the air as participants enjoyed the treat, their energy renewed by the delicious meal and the shared fellowship. This simple meal became a symbol of the day’s efforts: food is always more satisfying when enjoyed with friends after a job well done.
Planting with Purpose: A Garden and a Community Flourish
Energised from their meal, everyone returned to their planting stations, driven by a sense of purpose and unity. They worked together to finish planting, and by the end, the garden was a sight to behold—a tapestry of colours and textures that reflected the collective dedication of the group. Their efforts symbolised a greater accomplishment: the power of working together toward a common goal.
To commemorate the day, a group photo was taken, capturing not only the newly planted garden but also the shared pride of everyone involved. This is more than just a garden, it is a testament to a community’s potential when individuals come together with vision, effort, and unity.
In creation, there is no limitation.
