By Khutso Uoane

Founded in 2020 by South African Environmentalist, Social Environmental Entrepreneur, Eco-communities builder, and gender and childhood ambassador Bakhusele Mathupa – Phawu Likum which means “within me” is an agricultural group that practices permaculture and engages with the youth and women to promote sustainable development. The aim is to develop skills in agricultural production for self- sustainability, and for social and economic growth. The focus is also on looking at the system holistically – and exploring the benefits of food forests, water harvesting and conservation while offsetting carbon emissions and transforming the surrounding environment.  “The name Phawu Likum is a representation of what is within me through my farming and teachings” ~ Bakhusele. 

Gender inequality, roles, and division have resulted to women becoming vulnerable in society and that is why we want our women to be the real agents of change in their homes, communities and society at large.

Phawu Likum is in Willowvale, Eastern Cape and works with 51 community members- 7, full time and the rest are seasonal. 

Our vision is to see communities taking pride in growing their own food and ultimately becoming leaders of Earth Care, People care and Fair share.

What we are proud of as Phawu Likum AgriFarm is that we have been able to create jobs in the community.

“We are Sassa (referring to the fact that they are the elderly) and did not grow up eating rice, we are resilient and strong. We are here because we need money to feed our families and support our Sassa grants” says one of the community members and beneficiaries.

We are also proud to have been able to:

• set up a borehole and pump for irrigation
• establish a windbreak with indigenous trees and support species as a perimeter around the farm
• provide trees and diversity for the food forest and seedlings initially for the intensive cultivation of vegetables

• provide monthly training sessions, and food and trees for Africa: ongoing. 

We are funded by Shoprite through Food and Trees for Africa but the funding is limited. In order to make our vision a reality, we need funding for:

• extra water storage (tanks, reservoir)
• dripline irrigation and additional piping and water infrastructure
• nursery structure, tables, planting trays, planting medium, misting system for seed trays and cuttings
• fencing
• infrastructure for worm farms, composting, liquid manures, and liquid fertilizers
• infrastructure for processing of produce (cold room, packaging room, sorting and drying room, kitchen for value adding
• classroom and community area for learning and training
• accommodation structures for potential interns, students and guests
• a workable vehicle and trailer.

Khutso is studying PR and Communication Management at UJ. She hopes to use her talents to make a difference to people around Southern Africa. You can reach her on Khutso.uoane19@gmail.com.

By Khutso Uoane

After graduating with a Diploma in Agriculture and not being able to find a job, Eastern Cape born Zanele Manjo, aged 30, did not give up. Rather, she decided to turn an illegal dump site in Doornkop Block 3 into an urban food garden. She hopes this will inspire others to do the same.

Doornkop Gardens, in Doornkop Block 3, grows and sells fresh, organic, vegetables to the local community and street vendors. Zanele uses indigenous knowledge to grow plants with harmony – growing common vegetables and indigenous herbs.

It is still early days for Doornkop Gardens. Established in 2022, the team had to start at the very beginning. They had to remove litter before they could start to build the soil, which was not a simple task to do.

“Growing organically, we grow the soil before we grow crops.  Everything starts with good compost, and we make this ourselves using food waste. We also use organic manure.”

To achieve this, they must work closely with the local community to get material they can compost.

Zanele is also working hard within the community to change behaviours and beliefs. “A lot of people still believe that agriculture is for uneducated people and that people who are doing agriculture are always dirty. As such we want to make them realise that there is more to agriculture than they think, and that anyone can be a farmer for that matter. We also want to encourage young people to educate themselves about agriculture and its significance in the society and economy at large.”

Changing behaviours has not been an easy thing to do. “Littering has proven to be a thorn in our flesh. We have space we want to expand onto, but it is a mess. It is just unfortunate that until we create pride in our spaces, things will not change and people will continue to go hungry.”

Things have not been a walk in the park. With no start-up capital or funding, Zanele has had to make a plan. “There has been no one to help us register our company, or learn how to apply for grants and loans. We have also had our fence vandalised. But this is just a start. We will keep pushing because we believe in our dream.”

The next step is to expand the growing area and sell to communities outside of Doornkop. They also aim to involve young people in their agricultural activities as well as encourage those in both primary and high school to consider careers in the agricultural field and industry, and break the stereotype that agriculture is for the old and illiterate. 

With Doornkop Gardens team, it is just a matter of time until the people of Doornkop realise that agriculture is about more than just getting your hands dirty- it can be the centre of a vibrant community.

Khutso is studying PR and Communication Management at UJ. She hopes to use her talents to make a difference to people around Southern Africa. You can reach her on Khutso.uoane19@gmail.com.