Local agricultural expert sows seeds of knowledge
INVOLVED in community upliftment projects for over a decade, agricultural enthusiast Thabani Ngubane is committed to empowering communities through his veggie gardening and poultry projects.
The founder of Ithuba Agribusiness in Mandlazini has 21 schools and four NPOs in his umbrella organisation. This includes a project where gardens have been created at various early childhood development centres, creches, primary and high schools, and community organisations.
Ngubane, who is a graduate from the Owen Sithole College of Agriculture, has also completed studies in plant production and poultry farming at Sinovuyolwethu Poultry Production and Inundo Development Training, and is an ambassador for the 'seedpreneurs' programme at Umgibe Organic Farming.
Using his expertise in agriculture, Ngubane has helped organisations create sustainable projects and nutrition programmes.
He is now looking forward to acknowledging all participating schools at an event next month.
"We are hosting our One School, One Garden on 8 December at Enseleni Nature Reserve, where we will treat our schools to prizes of gardening utensils, equipment and accessories," explained Thabani.
"The schools have worked hard to build and maintain their gardens, and we appeal to businesses to support us with donations and sponsorship to make the day a success."
Thabani said, as a non-profit, they rely on sponsorship and donations of seedlings to grow the community gardens.
"We assist four charity organisations, with the most recent being The Ark homeless shelter in Richards Bay. There are also Thuthukani Special School, Mqedi Community Centre, and a charity group in KwaMbonambi."
To assist or find out more, contact Thabani on 072 6716156 or ngubanet54@gmail.com