November 4, 2005
By Buhle Makabane
A VACANT piece of land in the Roodepoort suburb of Witpoortjie, once used as a dumping site and a haven for vagrants, has been turned into a viable agricultural hub.
The idea germinated when a group of young people from Witpoortjie's Ward 83 decided they could put the vacant plot to good use. Firstly, however, they had to approach the owner, which happened to be the City of Johannesburg.
Working closely with ward councillor Willie van der Schyf, the group established the Khula Urban Agricultural Project. Khula is an isiZulu word meaning "to grow".
The project was set up to create jobs, to help youngsters develop skills, and to grow food for the local community. It began in February this year but was officially launched on Thursday, 3 November, Hydroponics Day.
The focus on hydroponics is an ongoing programme of the provincial department of agriculture. Farmers from across the district attended the day's activities, as did department representatives.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics Day emphasises educating farmers about alternative methods of growing crops, without the need to irrigate plants in variable soils. Hydroponics incorporates growing plants without natural soil; plants are placed in nutrients, which are dissolved in water.
The Khula project uses hydroponics. It requires lower labour costs and lower investment, and has lower risk, than traditional farming methods.
According to an information manual from the Agricultural Resource Information System, three standard 10m by 30m tunnels can cost less than a fully equipped farm tractor and yet provide an income almost twice that of most small farms.
Khula project manager Monde Moses explains, "Our vision is to be the most established, profitable and growth orientated business in the domestic and global agricultural market by coupling world class technology, market knowledge and customer intimacy while enabling and empowering South Africa's youth."
He says the group's members are determined not to become statistics, but to create a viable business. "Yes, we are young, [but we are] passionately capable, willing to learn. Take us and invest your time and money to make this a growing entity," he urges prospective investors and clients.
Speaking at the project's launch, Gauteng MEC for Agriculture, Conservation and Environment Khabisi Mosunkutu said it made him happy to see such a project developed by young people.
He encouraged the young farmers to stick together, because together it was easier to educate one another and to learn. He also promised that although they might have shortages here and there, "as the department, we will help where we can".
Informal and formal farmers were also acknowledged for their contribution to agriculture.
Then the excited farmers were taken to visit Khula's spinach tunnels. Rows of bright green Swiss Chard lined the plastic tunnels. "The spinach is our market penetration strategy, which will certainly give us competitive access for our near future endeavours," Moses said.
Tunnels
The environment in the tunnels is more favourable to growth, as the plants are protected from the elements, like storms, harmful UV rays, drought and wind.
Investigating the spinach tunnels
During the tour of the tunnels, the farmers were educated about using pesticides, crop management and hydroponic structures. There were also workshops on alternative marketing channels, pricing and market trends.
"It really excites me to see such wonderful work in such a short space of time. I wish our children could also start taking agriculture seriously," said Priscilla Mbatha, the owner of Mbatha Fresh Produce.
She was concerned about encouraging young people to take up farming.
Khula has a new buyer on its customer list - Leratong Hospital. "We want to sustain this development by providing it with a market to feed patients at Leratong Hospital," said Jethro Tshabalala, the chairman of the hospital's board.
Khula members will meet the hospital's management soon.
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