Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - May 11, 2003
Victor Khupiso
McNuit was visiting family in Three Rivers, Vereeniging, in the Vaal Triangle.
McNuit, a member of the Saltspring Organisation for Life Improvement and Development, a Canadian-based aid organisation, says that a gardening project was identified as a constructive way of helping poor people.
HIV/Aids
His organisation, in conjunction with the Vaal Technikon, identified Evaton West as an ideal site for the project as it is populated by many poor people who suffer from HIV/Aids.
"Education and a healthy diet are two key ingredients that can help to turn the tide . . . To address HIV/Aids, one has to take on poverty," says McNuit.
A food-producing initiative was clearly what was needed to help the many residents facing starvation.
Over a two-day period earlier this year, members of the community toiled to establish four vegetable gardens which were yielding food within six weeks. They were also taught how to maintain their gardens.
"People infected with HIV can lead a productive life with a well-balanced diet. It is also easier to be positive if one is well-nourished, " says McNuit.
Dan Mokoena, skills development facilitator at Vaal Technikon, says they want to demonstrate to people that it is possible to eat healthily, even when unemployed.
"We are planning to spread this project to other townships. The project has been well-received and we have donated tools so that they can maintain the gardens," says Mokoena.
Victoria Masombuka, a single parent of five children, says the initiative has been a tremendous help. "Life for me has changed for the better because I'm able to eat nutritious meals with my children. It has brought back my dignity as a parent.
"The project has changed many lives here as the vegetables don't take long to grow, so food is always available. In the past, I was not able to have a decent meal but now all that has changed," says Masombuka.
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