Mama Afrika Builds Community Food Garden

Clover Mama Afrika says Mama Molete has been hard at work on her vegetable garden at her centre, so much so that it recently caught the eye of well-known gardener, Cobus Smit, also known to many South Africans as "Tuinjong". Smit travelled from Stellenbosch to visit her and teach her advanced gardening techniques. 

Mama Molete's passion for plants and soil is evident in everything she does. She has transformed the schoolyard of the primary school across from her home into a vegetable and flower garden. Clover Mama Afrika says Mama Molete doesn't just grow a garden; she nurtures it with love, and it is clear that her passion is the secret to her success.

Smit explains that part of his garden projects often sees him working on food gardens, and recently, he started getting involved in community food gardens, such as Mama Molete's. 

"Mama Engelina is really going for it when it comes to her farm, which is much bigger than a garden by now. She needs all the support possible because it's such an awesome project where she involves younger people to get involved. It's not very often that you find younger men getting involved. She is a strong woman and well-respected in her community and amongst the team members working in the garden," says Smit. 

Mama Molete has never stopped improving across all aspects of her centre over the years. A qualified Project Manager, Mama Molete, gave up her high-profile job as she realised that her passion lies in community development, says the organisation. 

Her motto is 'Help Me To Do It Myself!'. Clover Mama Afrika says that since November 2010, Mama Molete has done a lot for her community, which includes nurturing 153 children before and after school and caring for 65 members in an outreach programme. At the centre, she provides an Internet Café facility and has rolled out various skills development programmes, including cooking and baking courses. 

Clover Mama Afrika concludes that it is proud to have Mama Molete join the Clover Mama Afrika sisterhood.  

For more information, visit www.clovermamaafrika.com. You can also follow Clover Mama Afrika on Facebook or on X. 

*Image courtesy of contributor