THE KwaZulu-Natal International Business Association (KIBA) and the Al-Imdaad Foundation spent Mandela Day uplifting the lives of residents in the rural area of Umbumbulu.
They sponsored about 2 500 seedlings (lettuce, spinach, cabbage, chilies and brinjal) to Kunothile Agriculture Primary co-operative farmers as well as manure; farming equipment, including hoes, rakes and spades; and pesticide equipment to help them start a community farm.
Omie Singh, the president of KIBA, said he received a call from members of Kunothile Agriculture Primary co-operative farmers with a request for financial assistance.
“We received a request for a sponsorship a few weeks ago, so we went out to inspect the area. When we arrived, we saw there was a need in the community, so we went ahead with this project as our 67 minute Mandela Day initiative. We also provided them with a hot meal for lunch," said Singh, who added that KIBA was always involved with helping communities with social initiatives.
“By giving them these essentials, they will be able to plant and grow these seedlings and enjoy the fruits of their labour. The equipment and manure will also help them to maintain the garden over time. This was not just a once-off thing. We will visit the community regularly to see the progress and we are also willing to provide anything else they may need in the future.”
Mohammed Mehtar, the project coordinator of the Al-Imdaad Foundation's office in Durban, said: "Our core function is to assist people in disaster but we also assist communities to eradicate poverty. We made this our Mandela Day initiative to help empower people. They can now plant, eat, sell and make a living from the growth of these vegetables and make the best of it."
Nqobile Mbonambi, the leader of Kunothile Agriculture Primary co-operative farmers, said they established two years ago to produce organic vegetables that are sold, eaten and donated by them.
“KIBA and the Al-Imdaad Foundation sponsored and donated essentials for our community garden as well as blankets and walking canes for the elderly. We are thankful to those who contributed to the vulnerable people in the community. They have a heart to stop hunger by helping people farm and produce food and we are thankful for all they have done.”