Author: Lindani Donyeli

Zongezile Dyeshana is a grandfather who loves the garden. He has been planting since he was young. Another thing that encourages him to plant is that he does not like moving around, he prefers to work in his garden. He sells his vegetables to community members. He has planted spinach, onion and potatoes. Dyeshana would appreciate it if he could be blessed with more seeds so that he can continue planting.

Grocott’s Mail is working hand in hand with Sunnyside Garden Centre and the Community of Makhanda to help those who have something to give to connect with other community members who appreciate their skills and resources. Some, like Edward Gaybba of Redbeard Permaculture, have offered their skills. Gaybba taught a group of subsistence gardeners how to plant properly according to permaculture principles. Transport to such workshops; fencing to keep destructive goats and donkeys out and donating seeds are some of the ways the.Makhanda community has supported people who are doing it for themselves. Eric Naba is a grandfather who is unemployed…

All children can learn – but different children need different kinds of learning. That’s the starting point for teachers, parents and learners at Kuyasa Special School in Makhanda (Grahamstown). Lindani Donyeli speaks to the school community about ability, society’s attitude to difference, and the joy of achieving your own potential. Nomahlubi Mahlasela has recieved a gold medal on netball she was the best shooter. “I feel very happy about receiving a gold medal, “Because we go to Kuyasa, people jeer and call us names,” said Nomahlubi Mahlasela, who was recently awarded a gold medal for being the best shooter at a…

Thembelani Mqweba is a garden lover. He learned how to garden from his father. He plants because he is unemployed and does not like to hang around the streets or the shops. He has planted spinach, beetroot, onions and cabbages. Mqweba would appreciate some more seeds to plant to keep him busy.

Ntoa Blasius Lekoala has been planting and harvesting since he was at school. “The soil can produce food,” he says. “And I cannot afford to buy vegetables.” He has planted onions, spinach, sweet potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower. He would appreciate receiving seeds, so he can plant more vegetables.

Fikizolo Lower Primary has a garden where they have planted different vegetables which assist in the school’s feeding scheme. The garden is maintained by learners. Class teacher, Diliza Hobongwanesaid said, “the aim is to teach the children how to plant and it is part of their learning because they are going to take the skills and use them at home create their own garden. It also helps in the curriculum, which can assist in maths as well as geography for different types of soil, and erosion.”  She added that it also helped learners to develop skills for possible employment opportunities…

Taxi owners and drivers from GRATA, TETA, BATA and P.E.D.T.A, along with Pronto Driving School and Toyota Grahamstown and the Makanaskop Community Learning Centre recently gathered at BB Zondani Hall for the handing out of certificates of competence to participants who had completed a transport skills development programme. The trainees were 30 people between the ages of 18 and 35. Present were Makana councillors Mabhuti Matyumza and Ramie Xonxa. Ramodise Tsolo from the Transport Education Training Authority. Through the Skills Levy, the Authority receives R600 million a year, which they use to ensure the transport industry has a skilled and capable…

Eric Nabo is been planting vegetables in his garden, for the past for four years since losing his job. Unemployed, his garden is his means of survival. “There is no work to be found, so I try to survive through my garden,” he says. He has planted sweet potatoes and cabbages. He would appreciate if he can get some seeds, because, he has plenty of space to grow food.

Last week Amatola Water and Amanzi were out on the streets and at Shoprite Mall to give out pamphlets about saving water. They were accompany by the Makana communications team. “The little we have we must conserve it for the next generation”, said Lameki Jumba, Communication Officer. Amanda Oostehuizen who is unemployed said, “I think it’s good so that people can be aware, because water is scarce”. Nosisa Sogayise, Stakeholder and Communication Manager for Amatola, encouraged people to save water, she also mentioned that the capacity of water produced in the area had increased people still must save. From there…

Jahchael Sondlo has loved gardening since he was a young boy helping his two uncles – even though they would often give him gardening tasks that clashed with his playing time. The garden helps him a lot: he believes it’s brought breathing space and cleanliness into his life, it also keeps his body active. It’s his daily guarantee of peace, hope and fresh vegetables. Sondlo hopes his harvest will be as good as the first time he planted on his property in Vukani. He has planted spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, runner beans, beetroot, spring onions, kale and carrots. He has also planted…