Agricultural graduates greening up the Upper West Side
Two passionate agricultural graduates have teamed up with the Upper West Side Community Group (UWSCG) to restore a once thriving garden project as well as establish vegetable gardens in the western part of the city.
Vusi Mlangeni and Nontokozo Mdletshe have started their own project, Isandla, meaning ‘hand’ – to lend a helping hand to organisations that need their agricultural expertise.
Mlangeni graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with a honours degree in Environmental Studies, while Mdletshe obtained her honours degree in Agriculture from the University of Zululand.
Both are passionate about the environment. “I grew up loving and appreciating nature and the environment. So it was natural that I pursued a career in agriculture,” said Mdletshe.
Mlangeni loved the outdoors as a child and is an environmental activist. Currently they are involved in two projects – the restoration of Carmena Capp’s garden on the premises of the Evangelical Seminary of Southern
Africa (Essa) and the urban farming project.
In honour of Carmena Capp, one of the founding members of Essa in Pine Street, the UWSCG has taken the initiative of restoring Capp’s beloved garden on the Essa premises.
Capp was a very keen gardener. She drew up a comprehensive plan for a garden stretching from one side of the Pine Street block where Essa was situated. Her garden harvested rhubarb, lettuce, onions, green peppers, Swiss Chard and herbs. She was also a great admirer of azaleas, Pietermaritzburg’s signature flower, and included these in her garden.
To her, gardening was more than just growing plants. At the dedication of the garden she said:
“This garden has been my way of passing on God’s healing, restoration and love. I want this garden, with its quiet nooks and shady corners, to be here for those who are in need of healing, comfort, restoration and inspiration. I pray this garden will always be part of Essa.”
After the Capps left, Essa went through many challenges but the garden has withstood the ravages of time. Although neglected, Mlangeni and Mdletshe, together with the UWSCG, are determined to bring it back to its former glory.
Mlangeni and Mdletshe are also involved with the urban farming project. Working in conjunction with Essa, the Duzi Umngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT) at the old prison and the PMB Mental Health Society at Lynn House, they want to take urban farming to another level. They are adamant that urban farming can be successful. They are fully involved in training members of these organisations to grow their own vegetables and develop their gardens.
“We are fortunate to receive donations of seedlings and other resources to sustain our projects. Furthermore, being in a centralised location creates an automatic market for our produce,” said Mlangeni.
One of their popular projects is the tyre garden project. With the help of donations from a local tyre manufacturer, Mlangeni and Mdletshe use the tyres as seedling beds to grow their vegetables.
Mlangeni and Mdletshe have aspirations to become commercial farmers one day.
The UWSCG is an informal group of people living and working on the Upper West Side of the city, who work together to preserve and beautify the area, as well as building an inclusive and neighbourly community.
These are ongoing projects. Anyone who would like to help in any way should contact Liz Thomson UWSCG WhatsApp 0724548436 or email cubathomson@gmail.com