Paw-paw spawns ‘green factory’ project
Foundation does much to eradicate food shortage and hunger
FACTORY bosses are urged to do their bit for nature, poverty alleviation and healthy eating by at least growing small vegetable gardens at their premises.
Apart from the obvious benefits, gardens could green a dull setting.
Charles Matthews, factory manager at Sierra Clothing, and the director of the Pawpaw Foundation, said their “green factory initiative” was the catalyst for factories to not just take from the earth but to give back a little. He said the clothing industry used a lot of water, which could be saved in tanks and recycled into a vegetable garden.
“Gardens bring colour into the area and can help to sustain a healthy lifestyle for staff, who would benefit the most from projects in terms of gardening skills. The harvest would be a benefit to their families,” said Matthews, a former journalist.
He co-founded the Paw-paw Foundation with the current chairperson, Paul Myers, about 10 years ago.
His factory, based in the Westmead industrial zone, has a lush garden next to the office block. The non-profit organisation has supported a variety of charities across South Africa and Africa, including Mozambique and Uganda.
“In addition to funding, we facilitate skills development and sustainable living by implementing innovative ways for disadvantaged families to grow their own vegetables, with limited space and water.”
Matthews added that the project was known as “Ziphakele” (Zulu for serve yourself).
He said his organisation teamed with Clifton High School last year to set up gardens at Kwamashu’s Isibonelo Secondary High School.
“Pupils from both schools shared vegetable gardening tips. Good relations have been forged between schools,” he said.
Matthews believes that when this project is fully up and running, it will do much to eradicate food and hunger problems in our communities.
He said an informal settlement in Malacca Road near Redhill had been identified for a Ziphakele project.
“The people who live in this settlement are exceptionally poor and are vulnerable to weather elements. We have been able to bring them food occasionally and help transport the adults to government meetings, which they would otherwise miss. They are a very innovative group and appreciate everything we do for them,” he said.
Other areas earmarked for Ziphakele projects include Cato Ridge, Kwamashu and some areas in the Western Cape.
The foundation also offered different skills to 47 children from the Bonisanani Primary School in Kwamashu. the two
“The school has 90 orphans with very little financial aid. The children are being fed and cared for by their teachers.
“We assist with feeding programmes and, where possible, render additional support to the teachers. We also send food, clothes and blankets to the orphans. The school has a small patch of land and pupils are taught how to care and grow the garden set-up there.”
How to feed a whole family or more in a small area:
A vertical garden is made of wire mesh that holds the soil in place with a thick layer of plastic lining; the mesh is on the inside and is filled with topsoil.
Plant vegetables that nutritionist has approved.
Plant seeds around the garden and pull out pockets in the mesh to grow vegetables.
The garden can have an assortment of vegetables, ranging from pumpkins to carrots and mealies. a