- The Limekhaya Community Project grows fresh vegetables at Limekhaya High School in Kariega and sells produce to the local community.
- On Monday, the Limekhaya Community Project in Kariega delivered its first batch of fresh vegetables to the local Spur restaurant.
Akhanya Msizi is 22 years old and leads the Limekhaya Community Project in KwaLanga township, Kariega. She works with 10 members who plant, harvest and prepare fresh vegetables for sale.
The cooperative runs at Limekhaya High School and has been selling produce to the community since September last year. It operates through an agreement with the Department of Education and the Department of Public Works.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality supports the project through its Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP). The municipality provides skills training, working tools and mentorship to five cooperatives in agriculture and environmental work.
On Monday, the cooperative delivered its first batch of fresh vegetables to the Kariega Spur restaurant. It was their first formal supply deal with a well-known food outlet.
Msizi said the new deal gave the group fresh hope.
“Since we started, we have been working hard to stabilise and grow our business. While we were selling produce within our community, this deal is a major boost in our mission to enter the mainstream agri-business sector,” she said.
“We are thankful for the support we have received and to Spur for having faith in us and our product. We commit not to disappoint,” Msizi said.
Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe attended the first delivery.
“We are excited that within six months this project has been delivered at this level. We are changing the face of EPWP to not only create work opportunities, but to promote entrepreneurship for a self sustainable citizenry and the creation of employment,” said Lobishe.
She said the municipality will continue supporting the other four cooperatives so they can grow and join the mainstream economy.
Pictured above: Akhanya Msizi and members of the Limekhaya Community Project with Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Babalwa Lobishe.
Image source: Supplied
