The Rotary E-Club of South Africa 1 has recently launched a pilot vegetable garden in collaboration with TAFTA’s John Conradie and Langeler Towers residents, as part of Rotary’s environmental initiative.
Susie van der Merwe of the Rotary E-Club SA 1 explained that the project, named Joy Sprout, aims to provide healthy, nutritious vegetables for TAFTA residents while promoting sustainable living.
“This pilot project runs for 12 months, and according to Rotary’s policies, it must become self-sustainable by the end of the period,” said Van der Merwe.
The Joy Sprout Vegetable Garden is voluntarily managed by residents, with five individuals at TAFTA Langeler—Sally van Rooyen, Gladys van Rooyen, Mark Smit, Sivi Moodley, and Maya Pather—dedicated to its success.
A variety of vegetables and herbs are grown, including spinach, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, chillies, bell peppers, dhania (coriander), and methi (fenugreek). These fresh produce items are sold to residents at affordable prices, helping them stretch their government pensions while ensuring access to healthy, nutritious food grown by their own hands.
The launch of the project was attended by Ward Councillor Sharmaine Sewshanker, who praised the initiative and highlighted the importance of community-driven projects, especially in light of the country’s challenging economic climate. “With the economy being so low, projects like this provide not only food security but also empowerment and hope for residents. They remind us that by working together, we can create sustainable solutions to uplift our communities,” she said.
Councillor Sewshanker also shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I love the project, and I think it’s a step in the right direction. We are trying to encourage more green spaces in high-rise building areas like North Beach, South Beach, and Central Durban. Often, the buildings are not making use of their roofs. If we could grow gardens like this in boxes, wooden crates, or plastic buckets, it would be a great step forward. I want to encourage such projects, as they will grow and thrive for sustainable living—especially for residents of high-rise buildings who prefer to avoid chemically grown vegetables and fruit.”
Van der Merwe expressed her gratitude to TAFTA management and residents for their vision and partnership, which made the community initiative possible.
The Rotary E-Club of South Africa 1 hopes the project will not only improve residents’ health but also strengthen community bonds and foster a sense of pride in sustainable practices.
