35 years NEWSLETTER 43 TO OUR FRIENDS 2015/16/17

www.abalimi.org.za Co-ordinating Office:c\o Philippi Village, Cwangco Crescent www.harvestofhope.co.za (Cnr New Eisleben Rd and Lansdowne Rd, behind Shoprite Centre) www.farmgardentrust.org Philippi, 7785, , PO Box 44, Observatory, 7935. 021 3711653 Fax: 086 6131178 [email protected] Garden Centre 021 3613497 Nyanga Garden Centre 021 3863777 A young farmer and her family are getting involved with Abalimi Babalwa Mankayi’s way into farming was sparked off by a key moment at her home in Khayelitsha: One day she put some old sprouting potatoes into the soil outside her home. After a few months she was more than editorial surprised that new potatoes had Tenjiwe Christina Kaba been growing at this very place New CEO of Abalimi Bezekhaya without any effort on her part. Dear friends of Abalimi Bezekhaya, we have come a long way over the past In 2015, Babalwa attended the Abalimi Young 35 years. From Green Point, our office Farmers Training Centre Apprenticeship at moved to Observatory and finally settled SCAGA (Siyazama Community Allotment Garden If you can grow vegetables in this soil you can grow them anywhere! in Philippi 10 years ago. We now have an Association) in Khayelitsha. While studying at office and also a busy packshed, that is SCAGA, Babalwa was able to obtain her own accessible to our farmers. Many of our garden beds at a large community garden very farmers are making a living from their close to her home in Khayelitsha. community gardens.

After only 1,5 years of being involved with Last year I was appointed CEO of Abalimi, Abalimi, the mother of three is a successful taking over from Rob Small, who has led farmer of Harvest of Hope. Also her husband and served us well for many years. Rob Gerald found a job as a driver, delivering remains a trusted advisor, friend and vegetable bags for Harvest of Hope. Additionally resource mobilisor under the Farm & she has been selected as our newest and youngest Garden National Trust. As a community fieldworker! Of course she will still carry on grassroots leader, I am supported by a growing and selling veg as well. small hard working team of qualified professionals who love our vision and Meals at home have changed as now she is able mission and ensure that Abalimi is to cook with vegetables that she couldn’t afford managed well. In the next few years before, e.g. broccoli or cauliflower. “Farming is I intend to pass the leadership of the an essential skill to learn“ she says, Abalimi movement on. What is important to me is to see people happy, that people “Home grown vegetables are have something to do. The problem of healthier than the ones that food security hasn´t changed, it is still Babalwa, her husband Gerald and their 6-year old daughter Sisanga. come from the supermarket.” continuing; and Abalimi is here to help those who can´t help themselves.

Abalimi Bezekhaya is a community people working there. He was impressed by organisation. We come here because we the capacity of the garden. They exchanged love to work with the community. Our job contact details and in December 2015 they is to help the poor. Food security is our called him and invited Andile to join their purpose for being here, not only money. garden. Since then Andile is responsible for We need to stay as a family, we need to help Andile the All-round talent all the admin. Furthermore he is checking the each other. But as a family we need to grow; quality of the soil and the produce that comes allowing new, young people and new ideas Andile is one of the latest out of it. He believes that vegetables grown using to come in. additions to the Abalimi organic methods are “a kind of healthcare.” Andile has learned a lot about work ethic from We won´t forget who we are and where farmer network. He has been the elderly farmers. “But soil quality is poor. We we come from. If we stick with that, then with Abalimi and Harvest still lack electricity and the biggest challenge is Abalimi is indestructible. I will always of Hope since April 2016. vandalism and theft”, he says. stand for the name of Abalimi in the community, until I die. I will always defend Andile´s dream was once to become a buyer Besides gardening, Andile is a Tuesday Garden Abalimi, according to our vision and in the fashion industry. He thought a job there Tour leader for Abalimi and is a member of mission, which you can see on our website. would give him the oppurtunity to travel VUFA (Vukuzenzela Urban Farmers Association). around the world. He then studied IT system In future he wants to do philanthropic work, be This newsletter tells stories that point support engineering for two years and worked an entrepreneur, travel the world and own a farm to our future and the anniversary insert at Vodacom for ten more years. But he never that is self sustaining. “You can be a farmer who brings back memory of our path through really felt connected with the work he was doing. does more than just producing crops”, he says. the years. I hope that you are inspired Andile finally came to the conclusion: to become, or remain, our friends, on Andile would also like to grow strawberries ’s Long Walk to Freedom. “Farming has always been because “Strawberries are very intimate, they To us, Mandela’s vision is more alive and a part of me and I love it more!” bring lovers to your farm, couples and people urgent than ever. We are showing that it is with families.” possible for unemployed people to feed and Back in Eastern Cape his father has a farm with employ themselves, through a new culture livestock, mainly cattle. One day when visiting Although he lives more simply since he left the of family micro-farming, while building some friends in Khayelitsha, Andile passed by corporate world Andile says: “I am happier than democracy, from the ground up, with love the Masithobelane Garden and spoke with the ever before.” and respect for all. A “connecting point” of the Harvest of Hope network Harvest of Hope (HoH) runs and Khayelitsha farms to pick up freshly unexplored neighborhood through thick Cape harvested vegetables and bring them into the Town traffic can be nerve-wracking when you as an intricate, well-oiled machine; HoH packshed. After everything is packed into have a series of hard deadlines to meet.” Anele farmers, drivers, packing staff, the bags and stored in his truck, Anele will takes punctuality seriously and the pressure volunteers and customer-members drive to Oakhurst Primary School, Montebello falls on him when the packshed finishes twenty Greenhouse and UCT to offer a kind greeting minutes late, a traffic jam builds up, a bag is all play a vital role in the operation. along with carefully packed bags of those same missing or becomes wet due to the rain. The HoH drivers tie the network vegetables. Mondays, too, include pickups and the latter half of the week brings a combination of Reflecting on his time with HoH, Anele said, together, and this is their moment seedling and manure deliveries, restaurant drop “I’ve learned how to work with people.” He loves to shine. offs and compost collections. interacting with friendly colleagues and farmers, like the smiley administrator at UCT Chemical Anele Qutyelo has been a driver for HoH for 2 In his two years as an Abalimi - HoH driver, Engineering and the talkative chef at the Black years. He rises at 6am every Tuesday to leave Anele has experienced a car crash and escaped a Sheep restaurant. his home in Khayelitsha D Section where he carjacking. Nevertheless, when asked what the lives with his mother, sister, niece, and younger scariest part of his job is he replied “the moments The relationship goes both ways: HoH customers brother. Before 9am on a typical Tuesday, HoH when I need to do an important task for the commonly praise Anele for being kind and delivery day, Anele weaves through Nyanga first time. Driving to a new drop off point in an effortlessly friendly.

his normal repertoire. His eccentric offerings include deep fried kale, aubergine atchar, kohlrabi kimchi, and an unbeatable turnip and basil combination he credits to his father. Heavy Metal is not just a Music Genre “It’s a conscious effort to make very unusual and interesting things,” he said.

Chef Japha, whose 25 years of experience spans Michelin star restaurants and high-end gastropubs, seeks out smart combinations. And for him, that also means locally sourcing ingredients. Japhas philosophy is simple; if it’s imported, he doesn’t buy it. Beyond limiting the restaurant’s carbon footprint, nearby food, he says, “simply tastes better.” Japha heard about Harvest of Hope from indigenous plant expert and Abalimi Friend Loubie Rusch.

“I love the fact that I get to cut out the middle man,” he noted. “And what I get Chris D´Aiuto and Liziwe Stofile giving soil science training to the farmers. for doing that is a better Soil nutrient and heavy metal starting with the most productive ones and then The Black Sheep: product, that is way fresher.” heading to the smaller gardens. testing is a new Abalimi initiative Black Sheep’s entire kitchen staff hail from and that has shown our soils Abalimi handed out Soil-Awards in August at Khayelitsha, same as many of the farmers are healthy. the Abalimi Nyanga- and Khayelitsha-People’s Mastering The Art from whom they buy their vegetables. Not Garden Centers. Abalimi farmers from a variety one attended culinary school, like many of their Our Production Manager and soil scientist of gardens came together to learn more about the Of Quirky Vegetables counterparts at comparable upscale eateries. Christopher D´Aiuto, who has been working with soil and to receive awards for healthiest soils in Their learning-by-doing spirit mirrors that Abalimi for almost three years , introduced the soil carbon, pH, potassium, phosphorus, calcium of Abalimi’s farmers, who are constantly tests in 2014. and magnesium. The Black Sheep restaurant is just like any mastering new techniques for optimal harvests. other Harvest of Hope customer, except their The aim is to test 50 Abalimi market gardens Canadian soil regulations were used as they are weekly veg box is gigantic. It’s been almost You can find The Black Sheep at 104 Kloof over the next five years. One test is all that is the most stringent and complete regulations a year since the family-run local eatery began Street; it’s open Mondays from 18:30, and needed, as no new metal inputs are likely. So far available. All gardens tested were well within their partnership with Abalimi Bezekhaya. Tuesdays to Saturdays for lunch and dinner. 20 gardens have been tested. The gardens are safe limits and our farmers continue to add value South African born Chef Japha reveres the Reservations are recommended, the earlier tested in order of total production of kilograms – to their farms´ soil. opportunity to use seasonal ingredients outside the better.

Doing spiritual work through organic farming of Indigenous herbs

Whoever has already set foot on the premises The parts of the plant used are mainly the leaves, of Philippi Village, where Abalimi has its HQ , stems and flowers and sometimes the roots. has likely gotten in touch with Babalo, a young New born babies are washed in Imphepho to entrepreneur who grew up in the Eastern Cape cleanse and protect them. The herb is stuffed in on his grandfather´s 16 hectare farm. bedding for both humans and animals to repel insects. The plants are usually wild harvested Babalo noticed that Imphepho was growing and plated in garlands or tied in bundles before wild everywhere on the farm. Imphepho is drying. Babalo managed to get dozens of 40 kg a traditionally important indigenous herb, bags full of Imphepho via Bus from the Eastern perhaps best known as a ritual incense used Cape to Cape Town as his start-up stock. during healing ceremonies. Convinced by the good quality of the Imphepho and with a small Babalos spiritual mission is to”strengthen the start-up donation from the Farm & Garden souls of people, who have been lost in the city, Trust, he decided to harvest it sustainably and bring it back to Cape Town, earlier this by reconnecting them to the land, sustaining year, for selling to the community. African cultural heritage and any kind of good business.” while also supporting himself and Imphepho has many uses- as his wife and two children. He is also starting a charcoal from wild Acacia tree business. Babalo on his grandfathers farm in the Eastern Cape overlooking thriving crops of spinach and an antiseptic, insecticide, anti- Currently he is sustainably harvesting huge cabbage that he helped to plant. inflammatory and for pain relief. forests on his family farm in the Eastern Cape. Mandela Day helpers wearing T-shirts donated by CTICC for the occasion.

“Mandela Day is very potent because you see people from What Mandela Day all over coming to help us,” Welcome onboard! said Mama Nancy, one of the farmers, and Means at Abalimi Abalimi Chairperson. Whenever a family has a new Gaenor has been around Abalimi for quite Ma Nancy, a former school principal and school member it is always a big change. a some time now and she comes with the management consultant, is now a seasoned Change is even bigger if that feeling of what we do. With her vast business Bezekhaya farmer, who turns 70 this year. But that didn’t and accounting experience it is hard to stop her from stealing the show. On a tanbark person becomes the new head of the imagine someone better to manage Abalimi’s red carpet, she strutted towards a semi-circle family as it is the case with Gaenor current issues and the future growth. Over 150 Capetonians joined Moya We Khaya of volunteers. “Mandela!” Mama Nancy sang Munnik – new General Manager of It is fortunate that we’ve found a leader (‘spirit of home’) Peace Gardens, Abalimi’s award repeatedly, shimmying with arms splayed Abalimi Bezekhaya. who combines both professionalism and winning lead micro-farming project partner, on and tapping soil-covered shoes. understanding of our values. Monday, July 18, for the annual Mandela Day Gaenor appeared in the organisation recently, festivities. The volunteers plucked pesky weeds, A brand-new fleet of wheelbarrows, spades, but she already seems to feel at home. She With Mama Kaba as a CEO and Gaenor fertilized new crops, and turned fresh compost and rakes-generously donated by Cape Town brings sensitivity, frankness and humour Munnik as General Manager we will become under the morning sun. International Convention Center (CTICC)- we all appreciate. And hugs! She is never in more efficient, yet keep our heart. were put to work. Additional participating shortage of hugs for everyone. Welcome Gaenor! On Mandela Day most South Africans try organizations included Mt. Nelson Hotel, to give 67 minutes--one minute for each year Western Cape Police on Boots, trainees from of Mandela’s public service. Abalimi’s new Young Farmers Training Center (YFTC), DoA-CASIDRA , African Climate At Moya, there is always plenty of work to do. Reality Project, and Change Agent Collective. The Khayelitsha-based plot spans 10000m2, the largest of Abalimi’s gardens, and is adjacent After a morning full of activities, the volunteers to the Manyanani Peace Park - also established ducked under the garden’s roofed structure Seed Saving and Biodynamic Farming by Abalimi. The latter was the first successful for freshly picked vegetable and lentil soup, community initiated park in Khayelitsha since doled out by the farmers. And the food kept the end of Apartheid in 1994. Rows of soil bulge coming. Umfino, samp, mutton and fried chicken within the Abalimi Movement with leafy greens, carrots, and a wide assortment simmered in family-sized cooking pots. Event of other vegetables that need constant nurturing. goers rejoiced with cake, along with smoothies, A dozen farmers tend to the garden full time. additional cold drinks, and donated snack packs. The positive effects for the farmers are obvious: the farmer saves money while plants that reproduce through natural means tend to adapt to local Annual Abalimi fact sheet conditions better. Abalimi farmers are also curious to embrace MICRO-FARMERS biodynamic farming practices. Biodynamics New 895 Young Farmers uses specially prepared substances, for instance the Cow Horn Preparation (or Preparation 500) RETURNING 1835 TOTAL 2730 served 513 that have a powerful impact on soil and plant Male 33% (171) health and quality. Mainstream agriculture Total on Farmer Register since 2008 6395 Female 67% (342) (for instance in the wine industry) has started to convert to biodynamics in Europe and also Sales of production inputs like manure, here in South Africa, because of the superior seed, seedlings to micro-farmers: quality of the wines produced from biodynamic grapes. This improvement of quality also occurs sales This is the portion with vegetables! approx r500,000.00 they paid themselves . Sibongile with radish seeds being dried out Honouring of the cow is deeply embedded in for planting next season. Xhosa traditions and understanding of fertility. Turnover Hence there is a natural bridge between the practices of biodynamic farming and the R2 134 757.00 The seed that gardeners and harvest of hope (hoh) renewing of Xhosa traditions on a spiritual, Earned by farmers farmers hold in their hands material and practical scientific level. after costs at planting time are living Currently there are 10 Abalimi micro-farms Gardens Supplying HOH 55-127 R775 249.38 links within an unbroken chain that are being treated with biodynamic soil Involving 196 - 381 micro-farmers Highest earnings per reaching back to antiquity. preparations. The Cow Horn Preparation is farmer/month made from fresh manure packed into horns, and buried underground for six months. When Our grandparents and their ancestors were R8906.00 the farmer brings the horns up from under the seed savers by necessity. Their best plants were soil, the substance is very concentrated with BAGS & boxes per week Lowest earnings per carefully selected to produce the next year’s farmer/month Life Forces. This substance is mixed with Total sold for the seeds, which were traded over the back yard water and then stirred for 1 hour. The water in year 21 689 fence with neighbours and faithfully passed MIN 395 MAX 450 combination with oxygen and the manure makes R116.00 down to new generations of gardeners. this liquid a micro-nutrient rich and Life-Filled. From there the farmer sprays the potentised Abalimi, with the help of Wendy Crawford, water on the soil, which “wakes up” the soil a leading young Biodynamic Farming and is therefore especially good for spring time. Attended basic training 165 practitioner and trainer, wants farmers to training Trained since 2008 1672 reconnect with tradition and to actively save Sibongile of Asande observed: seed. Sibongile, an existing Harvest of Hope Young Farmers Training Centre (YFTC) Apprenticeship (est 2015) 12 Farmer, is one of the “Seed Savers”. He has been “It really helped a lot! After already saving seeds from coriander, radish, rocket, green and broad beans, peas, celery that my crops were more Micro-farmers attending monthly workshops on specific topics (eg quality and pumpkin since last year. healthy, big and happy!” control, soil improvement, water quality) min 20 /Max 40 /month it sustainable in terms of production costs and The 39-year-old multitasking packshed- stipends. “The YFTC is starting very grassroots manager is an indispensable part of how organic and has not got all the funding it needs, but it´s vegetables from 55 to 128 township gardens slowly coming together” says Dave. The hardest Zodidi Langa is are distributed to drop-off points across Cape part, according to Dave, is getting funds for Town -- and how the farmers get paid for their What´s new stipends, to assist apprentices with transport harvests. Each Wednesday, Zodidi traverses and living costs, which are needed by young the first Harvest Khayelitsha, Nyanga and surrounds by “bakkie” people who apply for this apprenticeship. From (pick-up truck). She visits expansive community next year on, the aim will be to start the first gardens and compact home plots alike to compile at the YFTC? cycle in the beginning of March and the second of Hope-Packshed the following week’s inventory, or “picking list.” cycle at the beginning of September, so it goes She walks from bed to bed in every garden and After the pilot of the Young Farmers Training with the season. Another thing is to give the estimates the exact number of kg or bundles Centre (YFTC) at the Siyazama Community next apprentices more information about small Manager that the farmer will harvest for the upcoming Allotment Garden Association (SCAGA) business development, to prepare them for the Tuesday. She also uses this time to help the in Khayelitsha started in 2015, Abalimi was time after the training. farmer improve or overcome challenges like very happy to run a second cycle, which started Farmers, local partners, and outside pest for example. Then, when all produce gets on the 11th April 2016. “The aim is to give On 31st of August took place the Certificate suppliers all dial Zodidi Langa’s digits delivered to the packshed, from bulky squash to aspiring young farmers a solid basic foundation Ceremony for this years group. Seven of the expecting answers - what crops to sell, feathery thyme, it is weighed on a scale , before in organic micro-farming up to Livelihood formally nine apprentices completed this years being bundled for distribution. Level in 6 months”, says Dave Golding, training apprenticeship. “They are a good bunch of when to plant their seedlings, how to course designer and YFTC founding trainer- people” Dave says, “it´s been great to work with repair a broken borehole. On top of her all-consuming post, Zodidi is manager, says. them. We got lucky to have people who want taking care of an abundant garden of her own to learn.” Asked about why it is so important Zodidi´s phone seems to constantly buzz. at a community garden called “Eden Forest“. What has changed since the pilot project in to train the next generation of young farmers, The ringtone, a melodic Maskanda folk tune, Zodidi Langa is Abalimi’s second most 2015? The Training is now a full time six month Dave replied: “ We gotta bring Youth into the originates from her birthplace, the Eastern Cape. productive farmer of 2016, according to soil apprenticeship, every week from monday to movement, they are the future!” Thanks to As Harvest of Hope’s packshed manager and a scientist and production manager Chris D’Aiuto. friday. Theory classes are one day a week and Rotary Constantia & partners, including Pick n former fieldworker, Zodidi links together the In six months, Zodidi and her hired field hand the rest is practical. The YFTC is run like a Pay and also to the Avalon Foundation from the delicate network of Abalimi’s Harvest of Hope harvested over 1,400 kilograms of vegetables small business and the future idea is to make Netherlands for special assistance thus far. supply chain. from her own plots.

Leander Lerch The 19 years old Leander from Bielefeld, Germany was another one of our SAGENET- interns. He became good spirit of Abalimi, WELCOME to our helping in every aspect of our work. His FAREWELL & THANK YOU particular interest in seeds and fieldwork – as well as willingness to fit in any space when new members Abalimi - he brought so much solid kindness needed – not only captivated us but will make us and connectedness. miss him a lot. Samantha Mandiriri Babalwa Mankayi Vincent Keller All the way from Kassel, Germany, Vincent was Hailing from Zimbabwe with a background in After succesfully finishing the SCAGA Accounting and Auditing Samantha Mandiriri Apprenticeship in 2015 and getting involved the SAGENET-intern of many trades. He was famous amongst our farmers for his veg bread was responsible for finances of Abalimi. Thank with Mama Monica Foca in the Khanyisa you for your help, Samantha! Garden, Babalwa is now on board the and smoothies. He also worked on HoH packing, Abalimi Field Team and will be our brand mapping the gardens, data management, and new Khayelitsha Fieldworker. engineering projects such as building a solar Cathrine Chatambudza oven. Cathrine joined Abalimi Bezekaya in July 2016. She worked extensively on two big projects: We bid a fond farewell to Ineke Meijer, Jenny Gerald Mankayi farmer payments and the farmer register. She Smuts and Gerrard Wigram, who have served Felix Grünewald Babalwa’s husband is one of our kindest handled her tasks with great responsibility and on our Board in a voluntary capacity for many From Münster, Germany, Felix was our additions to the busy team of Harvest of Hope we are sure that bright future awaits her. drivers. Since the beginning of 2016 he picks years, as well as doing other important voluntary SAGENET-intern designer extraordinaire. He up the vegetables and ensure that they reach tasks and donating funds. Ineke, Jenny and has made numerous fliers and posters, worked the drop off point safely. Gerrard, you are and will always be, considered on the website, helped with HoH packing and Suren Sewchuran true friends of Abalimi. We simply have no words assisted with data research and analysis. Financial director and manager, Suren, started working for Abalimi Bezekhaya in April 2015. Jenny Willis to describe sufficiently all the gifts you have brought. Your continued Friendship is a huge Kate Cullen From June 2017 he is no longer with the Jenny has joined Harvest of Hope as our organisation. new Orders Manager. She will be handling blessing and we will always look forward to you After finishing her Environmental Science the restaurant supply side of things. She has popping in for a visit from time to time. They will studies in May 2016, Kate came to Cape Town to worked for chefs in South Africa, Italy, and the always be part of the Abalimi Family. volunteer for two months at Abalimi. During This newsletter is sponsored by: United States and also has experience in front- her time with Abalimi she was busy updating of-house and on a kitchen farm supplying one Farewell also to our beloved Ria Schuurman, our website with content and helping Rachel of the best restaurants in America. who quietly volunteered for many years and with the Harvest of Hope business. assisted with a number of key research projects, collecting and processing data, correcting the Hannah Norman Farmer Register and encouraging young farmers. Coming from sunny California to the winterly She continues to assist young farmers and their Cape Town, Hannah has helped us a lot in her growing businesses. two months at Abalimi with updating our website content by interviewing farmers and local Eugene Fischer partners. Besides her unique texts, her photo Eugene was a local volunteer for many years then skills were also much appreciated. became a staff member, helping with anything and everything. We will miss your happy smile Elisabeth Boomgaarden and welcoming ways. Elli finished high school in Germany and came to work with Abalimi for the whole year as Editor: Rob Small • Co-editor: Linda Many thanks to our current Board Members who Norbert Kuntz a SAGENET-intern. She handled customer Küntzelmann, Tadeusz Michrowski are: Nancy Mandokose Maqungo (Chair) Norbert hails from Germany and decided to service, so whomever bought our vegetables was Production & Reports: Linda Küntzelmann Christina Tenjiwe Kaba, Charl Pienaar, spend a whole year with us , assisting with treated with care and attentiveness by this tall, Photos: Kate Cullen, Hannah Norman, Dave Golding, Thobeka Nkohla , Grace Stead, management, fundraising and young people’s charming lady. We wish her all the best and hope Wendy Crawford, Linda Küntzelmann Natalie Van Eeden empowerment. It was great to have Norbert with she had as much fun with us as we did with her. Design: www.d4d.co.za 35th Anniversary Proud of our history, we stick to it

Abalimi Bezekhaya is 35 years old! ‘global’ path. But we grow from within It makes us more vulnerable, since It took us many years to grow from a our history and roots. Bringing change donations remain essential. But proud small project within Catholic Welfare to the lives of the poorest, we choose of our history, we stick to it. & Development into a separate entity gradual progress that lifts and sustains We thus present you with this that impacts thousands of lives. everybody. We keep on walking the anniversary addition to our newsletter. In the contemporary world, becoming ‘long road to freedom’ with micro- We present one, in depth story, that bigger brings the temptation of farming projects that others might would deliver the message of both our following a more commercial and abandon. path and values.

A story of a farmer, of Abalimi Mama Kaba – A love story Bezekhaya and South Africa itself.

Mama Kaba settling one of the first gardens in Khayelitsha (1989) and working in the packshed, twenty five years later.

Christina Kaba. If you enter this name she drives me through Khayelitsha. ‘They looking for opportunities, like the job in in Google, you’ll find yourself flooded had boxes with seeds and seedlings, they Abalimi Bezekhaya. She didn’t yet posses with articles, prizes and accolades, with asked me about them. I knew it all from the confidence which she emanates now. facts and accomplishments. Christina the farm where I grew up with three white She was nervous – earning 75 rands a Kaba, or Mama Kaba as we call her. boys. This is where I fell in love with the month as a maid, she viewed Abalimi’s CEO of Abalimi Bezekhaya. soil.’ opportunity as unique. One question I wanted her to answer was: It was the very same farm her parents ‘I remember when they called after the ‘how?’ were chased away from after years of interview. I was making porridge for my service. They were too old. Not useful children. They said: Christina, you got HER JOURNEY WITH ABALIMI anymore. They were taken away to the the job. I said: No, no, no, no, Christina is STARTED IN MAY OF 1989. dirt crossroads and told to find themselves a standard name. They don’t think about another occupation. me. But I started the next Monday.’ ‘I entered the room, it was Dave there, our Dave,’ Mama Kaba mentions Dave Golding Mama Kaba was not there to see it. She I ask her how that uneducated farm girl, (a co-founder of AbalimiBezekhaya), as was already in Cape Town; working, who couldn’t read or write, who spoke no mind, nothing else. I could lose everything. So I focused and worked hard. I planned everything, I planned every day and every week.’ In 2016 she was appointed as CEO of Abalimi Bezekhaya. A model designed more than 30 years before finally came to life. Farmers took over the organisation.

Mama Kaba works with people. She listens. Long before she was even given the formal control, she already had power that came from the respect of the community. No one understands the townships like she does. ‘OF COURSE, WE MADE MANY MISTAKES’ SHE ADMITS. Abalimi Bezekhaya brings its farmers meaningful income. But then again, this is what her leadership and idea of Abalimi seems to be about: English, years later became CEO of an ‘They said we are here for the guide people, don’t control them. Let them important NGO. Where did she find the veggies and trees. They told me: make mistakes and learn from them. strength? you’re starting trouble. You want Asked about the biggest challenge, she ‘It’s all Abalimi,’ she says with modesty. to be a social worker now?’ doesn’t hesitate a second: ‘They gave me everything, they made me Mama Kaba did want that, so Abalimi ‘FUNDING. WE NEED FUNDING learn, go to night school. They even gave began to help the township community in TO SURVIVE.’ me money for the ticket, so I could bring other ways as well. Abalimi even went so my father home. When my father saw my far as to assist Ma Kaba to inspire the first She says she’s old. Her energy and house, he turned around and shout across public swimming pool in the history of powerful voice obviously contradict the the street: look, this is my daughter’s Khayelitsha! statement, but she mentions retirement. house. He couldn’t believe this magic.’ “A boy drowned in the wetlands. I thought ‘It’s a different time now. The time of Soon Mama Kaba was working for : we need a swimming pool. I contacted Mama Kaba is over, now it’s a time for Abalimi on the school greening projects in some people. The British and Americans new, educated people.’ Khayelitsha. Responsible for cleaning and said they will try to helps us with funding. I ask her, what would she do on preparing apartheid era school grounds, They said they would go to the White a retirement. She turns around, which she calls ‘deserts full of rubbish’. House”, she laughs. “I didn’t know what her hand pointing all over the Greening projects changed many of ‘the White House meant at the time - to Moya garden. those deserts into sustainable sources of me all the houses where white! In the end organically grown vegetables – when later the built the swimming “I will be here, all days. With my people.’ the first community gardens were started pool and we planted the trees.” Maybe it wasn’t the love of the soil or the on their grounds. In 2014 Mama Kaba became responsible farming that made her go through this BUT SHE WAS MEANT TO BE for creation of Moya we Khaya Peace path. It appears to me it’s more love to her MUCH MORE THAN A FARMER. Gardens, a 10 000 m2 community garden community, her people. ‘There was a boy from Eastern Cape I where people strive together to grow And just as I think I have the perfect once knew. One day he saw a police car in veggies sustainably and earn money. conclusion of the article, we walk Langa. He ran. He was afraid, just afraid Despite being the youngest of Abalimi’s on among the plots, in the dimming, of men with guns. Police shot him. This undertakings, Moya produces now more afternoon sun. Mama Kaba tells me day I decided I have to work with the veggies than any other garden. about new plans. About her dream of a community, I have to get into politics’. ‘My secret for Moya was competition. community centre, where locals could learn and gather and share. About new After the fall of the apartheid Abalimi Every farmer has his own plots, he puts manure there and works on it – he feels seeds she would like to experiment with. Bezekhaya and other NGO’s wanted responsible for it.’ to build a park in townships. When Mama Kaba is full of plans. they failed to receive the land from the The smile of pure joy brightens Mama municipality, they knew there is only one Kaba’s face when she shows me her plots. person that can help. She is responsible for 60 of them. She employed a few people to help her. This is ‘So they called me. It was a political thing,’ the fourth stage of Abalimi’s sustainability says Mama Kaba. ‘It was all very political model coming to life: creating jobs on back then and they knew I understood urban micro-farms. those structures.’ It is here, between spinach and carrots I If you’d like to contribute to She did. Soon Manyanani Peace Park was finally get my answer as to what drove her there in Khayelitsha. It was a first step in Mama Kaba’s plans, please use through all those years. a new direction, a direction that Abalimi our donation form to be part of Bezekhaya didn’t necessarily want ‘I loved what I did. I knew I had no Abalimi’s future. to follow. education, only my heart, my skills and FRIENDS OF ABALIMI BEZEKHAYA, HARVEST of HOPE & FARM & GARDEN NATIONAL TRUST

EVERY LITTLE AND BIG Roll of Honour BIT COUNTS – THANK YOU!

If your name does not appear, or there is an error, please let us know? We will gladly make special mention in the next newsletter!

DONORS DIRECT TO • Croudace, L - Est Late • JAMBO International • Old Mutual ABALIMI • CTICC • Jenkins, L • Padi, Mr & Mrs • ACTSA UK • Danville, M • Johns, R • Phipps, Simon & Friends • Afrikelp • David Dicey Family Trust • Johnson, LA • Pick ‘n Pay Foundation • Ampthill Inner Wheel • Davids, I • Jooste, D • Regan, R • Anonymous • Davis, G • Jordan, BV • Rice, WH • Asmal, L • De Villiers, J • Kane, L • Richardson, C • Avalon Foundation • De Vries, A • Khuzwayo, S • Richmond Action for SA • Aviram, A • Delport, J - Brennokem • Kiddies College • Rose, BK • Baraitser, M • Dicey, D • Kirsten, H • Rycroft, B • Barrow, J • Dienste in Übersee • Klein, G • Sakumlandela • Baughan, Mr & Mrs gemeinnützige GmbH • Kuntz, N • Satgar, V • Baumann, FH • Douglas Jooste Trust • Lamberts, A • Schrire, S • Behr, D • Dyer, M • Lange, Mr & Mrs • Silwood Book Club • Benkes, H • E&M Chari Trust • Lange, S&B • SLP Poverty & Development • Binckes, Mr & Mrs • Ellingson, JM • Larry • Smidt, AG • Blackstock, Tom & students - • Excell, B • Levecque, P • Smith, W Hilbre High, UK • Fairvest Property Holdings • Lloyd, A • Smuts, J • Blethyn, S • Falconer, J • Loomis Chaffee School Group • Smuts, P • Bock, M • Falconer, R • Lynette Croudace Fund - Est • Somodevilla & Makowska T • Boschendal • Farm and Garden National late & M • Brossy Dr. MJ Trust • Mahmud Ahmed Endowed • Sonnenberg, JT • Brot für die Welt • Fernie, J Fund • Sonntagova, K • Bugler, B • Ferreira, SA - Est Late • Malan, DE • St. Olas Trust • Burton, E • Freeth, J • Meijer, BM • Steadfast Greening • Burton, F • Gaddes, G • Meijer, JH • Stevens, R • Cabra Dominican Sisters • GLOBAL GIVING Friends • Meyer, S • Steyn, L • Miller, BM • Calmeyer, A • Graf, U • Strong, GL • Mills, E • Cape Horticultural Society • Graham, RJ • Swain, L • MISEREOR eV • Carter Family Charitable Trust • Graves, FE • Timms, R • Myrdal, M • Carter, S • Green, Prof & Mrs • Top Billing • National Development Agency • CIEE - Garden Walk • Grootbos Foundation • Tullie, NR (NDA) • Clement, R • Grutter • U3A Cape Town • National Lotteries • Climate Ticket Aachen • Hammer, HA Commission • UTHANDO • Cockcroft, T • Hendrik, JA • Nature Conservation Trust • Van Rooyen • Coetzee, C. Dimension Data • Hislop, M • Naude, D • Van Warmelo, W • Coffeebeans Routes • Hodgetts, GS • Ngamlana, L • Van Zijl, S • Cognadev • Hofer, E • Ngamlana, L • Voortman, H • Cohen Charitable Trust • Holy Trinity Catholic Church • Noakes Family Charitable • VPUU NPC • Constantia Garden Clubs Open • Hootten - Brasserie Trust • Watson, L Days • Howes, GM • Nortje, M • Welsh, A • COSAT • Hyman Goldberg Foundation • Nowicki, K • WESSA • Cowen, S • Intshayelelo • O’Malley, J • Wheeler, D & L • Croeser, C • Jaeger, D • O’Regan, K • Wilson, L • Cross, K & R • Jakobsen, E • O’Sullivan, S • Wilson, M FRIENDS OF ABALIMI BEZEKHAYA, HARVEST of HOPE & FARM & GARDEN NATIONAL TRUST

EVERY LITTLE AND BIG Roll of Honour BIT COUNTS – THANK YOU!

If your name does not appear, or there is an error, please let us know? We will gladly make special mention in the next newsletter!

• Worthington-Smith, M • Hansa-Flex SA (Pty) Ltd HARVEST OF HOPE • Prudence Phillips, ERM • Zenzeleni School • Howie, CT CHAMPIONS Newlands • Zonke Monitoring Systems • John & Elsie Barrow • Anique van der Vlugt, Ethical • Sally Hall, Auburn House Foundation Trust Co-op School • Bridget Impey, House and DONORS VIA F&G TRUST • Jordan, BV • Shantal Greef, Marcellino Dolf collection point in Observatory • AC Louw Trust • Keene, U & Phakama Mgoduso, CCT • Carey Robinson, WAR • Adams, J • Laurie & Rita Chiappini • Sheryl Ozinsky & Kurt • Chef Bella, The Brasserie Ackerman, OZCF market • Andrew, K Charitable Trust • Cheryl Steyn, Micklefield Girls • ANGLO AMERICAN • Lawrence, CW • Sonia Botes, Herzlia Primary School CHAIRMAN’S FUND • Lawton, AC School • Christine Van der Merwe & • Anonymous • Le Jeune, D • Wynanda Prinsloo, MGI Bass Kathari Johnson, Terra-Nova • Mai, A Gordon • Bale, R Tours • Malherbe, VC • Barrow Construction • Danjelle Midgley, Cullinan & • Becker, P • Mathers Trust Associates GENERAL VOLUNTEERS • Bond, HD • Meijer, BM • Derek Patrick, The Design • Amanda Mpomgoshe • Boom, R • Mignolet, M & DG Company • Asleigh Harker • Bosser, T • Mouton, A • Ellie Courts, GSK Epping • Brad Sitzer • Buxton Garden Club • Necotrans Industrial • Bulelwa Ntobela • Campbell, R • Oberholzer, B • Gail Brown, OGGI Activewear • Chloe Williams • Cape Crating SA (Pty) Ltd • Palmer, N - Carbon Calculated • Jacqui le Roux & Warwick • Elisabeth Boomgaarden Thomas, CTICC • CCA Environmental • Park-Ross, S • Ellen Bielfeld • Jenna Hill, LRMG • Chiappini, L & R • Paul, BJ • Felix Grünewald • Jenny Smuts, Springfield Girls • Commin, BW • Raimondo, J • Heidi Albert • Saunders Trust School • Concordia College • Joshua Butcher • Somodevilla, T • Kate Mason, Greenhouse • Country Garden Club • Julia Reinhardt Montebello • CPSL • Steyn, L • Lee Taylor, UCT Law Faculty • Juliette Accadebled • Crawford, G • Sustainability Institute • Lesley Swart, Michael Oak • Leander Lerch • AIIM • Swart & Associates School • Lesley Tutchen • Delport, J - Brennokem • Tempany, HM • Liane Greef, House and • Linda Küntzelmann • Derham, CE & PL • Terra Nova Tours - Uni of collection point in • Maike Schafer • Dose, RM Mainz • Liora Henen, Health Matters • Masibulele Ntshinga • Drufhagel, A • Thornton, O • Lisa McNamara, Cape Town • Naoki Araiza • ER Tonnesen Will Trust • Timm, H Child • Nicholas Hill • Fife, R • Van Blerk, P & S • Lynn Gibb & Joyce Masingili, • Van Den Honert, A • Nick Chan • Folb, P & S Herschel Girls Junior School • Van Rooyen, M • Norbert Kuntz • Freedendal, J • Matthew Philipps, Aurecon • Venn, DH • Shubham Patel • Garber, C • Mzi Mnyatheli, UCT CHED • Waste to Wealth Trust • Sibabalo Nkohla • Gibson, FH • Nelly Hill, UCT Chemical • Siyanda Mangcunyana • Giles, DR • Webber, C Engineering • Sophie Meierhofer • Gilt Edge • WESBANK-FRF • Nicola Zaina, The Healing Tree • Tadeusz Michrowski • Ginsberg Asset Consulting • Wiget-Beattie, S • Pam Miller & Bronwyn Potter, • Glyn-Jones, E • Wilson, EM Starke Ayres • Thomas Pretorius • Gray Trust • Winkler, H E • Pam Wilkenson, Oakhurst • Veronica Sallaz • Grutter, P • Winter, P Girls Primary School • Vincent Keller ABALIMI SUPPORTS VEGETABLE GARDENING PO BOX 44, OBSERVATORY, 7935 | Tel (021) 371 1653 AND TREE PLANTING IN Fax 086 6131268 THE TOWNSHIPS OF www.abalimi.org.za CAPE TOWN (EST. 1982) [email protected] JOIN AS A FRIEND OR DONATE TO ABALIMI I would like to become a friend of ABALIMI. I understand I have no obligations except to promote ABALIMI’s work by circulating the newsletter. My contact details are listed below.

I would like to support the work of abalimi. Herewith a cheque/postal order/ bank deposit slip for (amount) ______to:

PLANT TREES PLANT VEG GARDENS It costs R150/ £9/ $12/ €10 to plant 1 tree, with It costs R1350/ £78/ $101/ €86 to establish one new township training and follow-up. home veg or community market garden plot (minimum 100 m2), together with training, trees and follow-up. MICRO FARMER VEG BOX It costs R100/ £6/ $8/ €7(community garden) or Sponsor a weekly Harvest of Hope vegetable box R50/ £3/ $4/ €3,5 (home garden) to support one at R120/ £7/ $9/ €8 (small) or R160/ £9/ $12/ €11 micro-farmer with affordable inputs, training, (medium) per week, to feed the sick and needy follow-up, monitoring, evaluation, networking, management & marketing services for one month. NOTE: Forex conversions are averaged out as at Aug 2017

General Donation (Other amount) :

BANK DETAILS FOR DIRECT DEPOSITS: FOREIGN CURRENCY: SA RAND: Standard Bank, Thibault Square, Cape Town First National Bank, Adderly Street, Cape Town Branch Code: 020909 Branch Code: 201409 Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ461 Acc. No. 070912637 Acc.No. 50050041661 Account Type: Cheque/Current Account Type: Business/Current Account Name: ABALIMI BEZEKHAYA Account Name: ABALIMI BEZEKHAYA

TAX RECEIPTS for SA DONORS: Abalimi is now a registered TAX RECIEPTS for USA & UK DONORS: Public Benefit Organisation with 18A income tax exemption and (1) go to www.globalgiving.com (2) look for ‘find a project’, can issue its own Tax Receipts. Please note: donations made (3) then for ‘South Africa’ and (4) for “Project 714 - Capacity to Farm & Garden National Trust for Abalimi will still get a Tax Building: Urban Farming and Gardening”, or type “Abalimi” in Receipt. F&G Trust remains in full support of Abalimi and all the search box. Make your donation there. Abalimi is one of the donations intended for Abalimi go 100% to Abalimi. specially selected projects which is given a place on Global Giving. Global Giving is the leading international channel for web-based funding and networking.

My name: Mr/Mrs/Ms: Address: Postal code: Email: I require a receipt by post. I do not require a receipt by post. Please email acknowledgement to above address. Tel no: (H) (W) (M)

I enclose a further R35/ £3/ $5/ €3 which includes postage for a certificate with the following inscription: Please post the certificate to the above address/other address as follows:

I would NOT like to be named as a donor in the newsletter / annual report / financial statements. I will include ABALIMI in my will ensuring that the good work continues into the future. I will take out a STOP ORDER in favour of your work & send ABALIMI a copy of my bank instruction. Please send me an overview of ABALIMI’S work. Please remove me from your mailing list.

Signature: Date: