Grandfather’s garden project helps feed Strelitzia Primary pupils
After a Bethelsdorp resident recovered from a heart attack and breast cancer, he decided to be the difference he wanted to see in his community.
With his renewed vigour, Neville Reid from Bethelsdorp Extension 31 approached Strelitzia Primary School principal Clifton Jantjies to find ways of getting involved in the school’s activities.
Four years later, his sustainable food garden is overflowing and feeds hundreds of pupils daily.
A little more than a month ago, the garden received a big boost through the Absa Run Your City Series, after the bank successfully raised R1.5m for the establishment of sustainable food gardens in schools to aid communities in distress.
Strelitzia was one of five schools chosen for the initiative. Visitors to the school are now greeted by luscious vegetables and fruit, tended by the 63-year-old.
“I always had a passion for gardening. With my two grandchildren, who are pupils at Strelitzia, I wanted to see how I could make a difference at the school.
“I am grateful to Absa for choosing us as a beneficiary.
“It fills me with pride when cars stop in front of the school and people compliment us on the garden.”
The garden has already yielded its first harvest after the official handover last month.
“I gave the spinach and beetroot to the ladies running the nutrition programme.
“It felt good to see them so happy.
“The first thing I do every day is check if my children (the vegetables and fruit) are thirsty.
“And after I have watered them, I see to it that everything in the two gardens gets attention.”
Deputy principal Carynne Leite said the school was immensely grateful for the donation from Absa and the ongoing effort to sustain it by Reid.
“We are grateful for Absa’s everlasting gift. It is a gift of pride and service.
“Our next project is to acquire an additional irrigation pump so that our gardens get sufficient water.
“This garden is in a safe space despite concerns about the area.”
Absa head of sponsorships Jabulile Nsibanyoni said the Absa Run Your City partnership was both a physical test of endurance and an opportunity to uplift communities.
“We are delighted to have raised R1.5m through the 2023 series, which will now be used to provide sustainable solutions and contribute towards the growth and development of young learners across the country.
“We know these gardens will immeasurably change the lives of thousands of community members in the long term, one school at a time.”
The bank also partnered with Urban Harvest, who will assist in equipping the schools with training skills and all the tools needed to grow a range of herbs and vegetables.
“Through everyone’s collective efforts, we are delivering on our promise of empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together ... one story at a time,” Nsibanyoni said.