Grahamstown residents have a new fresh produce market to add to their range of choice, thanks to a partnership between three local organisations.
Grahamstown residents have a new fresh produce market to add to their range of choice, thanks to a partnership between three local organisations.
The Assumption Development Centre (ADC), Umthati training project and the Farm Animal Centre for Education (FACE) launched the new Joza vegetable market on Friday 5 December in Phumlani, Ext 2.
David Greybe, ADC co-ordinator, said that Grahamstown residents would now have locally grown fresh produce to add to their shopping options on weekends.
“The fact that the initiative is based on a working partnership between three NGOs in Joza is very important,” Greybe told Grocott's Mail. “This is the way of the future for development organisations as none of us can do it alone,” he said.
Michelle Griffith, FACE co-ordinator, said they are very excited to be part of the project.
"It is a great initiative, as FACE we provide transport to the market using donkey carts, carrying the vegetables," Griffith said.
She said they also want to promote skills development for carters.
"We are also designing new carts suitable for the donkey's anatomy, that they may be able to carry the loads well," she said. Griffith added that they have plans to move the project to rural areas in the future.
"We are very glad to work with ADC and FACE," Xoliswa Mbewu Maotla of Umthathi said.
"This is also a business initiative where we teach our gardeners how to sustain themselves through gardening."
Greybe added that, "Having the market in Joza will also mean more of the community’s money and energy will be kept local – where it can meet local needs."
This is something that makes all the difference to social and ecological sustainability, thereby promoting an authentic community where sustainability is recognised and highly valued. It also ensures that money is able to do what it is truly meant to do – serve the needs and wellbeing of a community.
The market will run on Fridays and Saturdays outside the ADC.
