DULLSTROOM – The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has pledged to support young people running the Ezibayeni Community Garden in Sakhelwe, within the eMakhazeni Local Municipality.
GCIS, in partnership with Community Project Workers (CPWs), visited the project on Thursday, 09 July 2026, under the theme "Play Your Part: Love Your Street."
As part of the initiative, GCIS assisted with greening the existing community vegetable garden while promoting environmental sustainability and food security. The activation also encouraged community members to take pride in their environment and support sustainable food production.
Located behind a church in Sakhelwe, the cabbage-growing project relies largely on the dedication of volunteers despite facing water shortages, limited space and a lack of equipment.
Project leader Jack Monate told Highveld Chronicle that access to water remains the project's biggest challenge.
"Water is a challenge. If we can get a 1 000-litre JoJo tank, I think we can be productive," said Monate.
He said the project also requires fertiliser, gardening tools and fencing to protect the crops from roaming animals.
Despite the challenges, the garden generates income, with all proceeds reinvested into the project.
"We are able to sell the cabbages and all the money we make is spent on things like fertilisers, pesticides and equipment."
Two young people currently volunteer at the garden.
Volunteer Koketso Makhubela said he joined the project last year because of his passion for agriculture.
"We experience water interruptions almost every day, making it difficult to continue planting. We have tried to engage the local municipality, but it has made no difference."
Fellow volunteer Sifiso Hlatshwayo appealed for greater support from government and other stakeholders.
"I am appealing to authorities to take the project seriously and assist us where we cannot reach. In a community like ours, where youth unemployment is high, projects like these help young people fight poverty."
Patricia Matsila, GCIS Nkangala Regional Communication Coordinator, said the organisation will support the project through capacity-building workshops in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders.
"The workshops will focus on sustainable farming practices, garden management, possible funding opportunities, record-keeping and access to markets."
She said the initiative aims to equip volunteers with practical skills to strengthen the project and improve its long-term sustainability.
