Caption: Hlophe addressing residents who came out in numbers support the event
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
The MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs(DARDLEA), Nompumelelo Hlophe, says households must play a role in the fight against hunger, by establishing vegetable gardens.
Hlophe was speaking to hundreds of community members at Entokozweni Sports Ground in Kwaggafontein, during the Provincial Arbor Day celebration, on Thursday 5 September.
MEC Hlophe and the Executive Mayor at Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, L Dikgale, took to the streets and handed out Spekboom trees to community members and motorist at the busy intersection on Moloto Road.
The Spekboom is said to be resilient to water scarcity and very good for many areas in the Nkangala region that suffer from decreased average annual rainfall due to Climate Change.
“ Every household can start its own vegetable garden and plant fruit and indigenous trees that can benefit both the environment and humans alike,” said Hlophe.
The MEC reportedly handed out certificates in recognition of local organisations and projects in the area that are involved in waste management and recycling, including those playing a role in food production through agriculture.
Vegetables and starter packs and planted vegetables onto Smart Agriculture Boxes were donated to Qedusizi Stimulation Centre and Sozilani Secondary, including planting indigenous and fruit trees to help sustain food security.
