29 March 2009
For the third time this week, Western Cape Premier Lynne Brown returned to
Delft on Saturday to plant trees, food and flowers. It was in the interest of
all the people of the Western Cape to narrow the gaps that divided them, the
Premier said, rolling up her sleeves and joining hundreds of learners planting
a food garden at Hindle Road West Secondary School on Saturday.
Premier Brown said high food prices were having a devastating effect on the
working class and the poor. Growing their own food provided security for
families living on the edge of poverty.
Hindle Road West Secondary is one of three schools constructed in close
proximity to each other, for the children of families occupying new N2 Gateway
homes.
Earlier, this week Premier Brown participated in the planting of family food
gardens in Delft. So far, more than 100 houses have been greened and had food
gardens planted. And another 400 houses are earmarked.
The Premier said she had a special message for the unemployed and the poor
of Delft: the government of the Western Cape will never abandon you.
âIt is in the interests of us all rich, middle class and poor to narrow the
gaps that divide us. Our war on poverty has to continue until no one has to go
hungry. Food security is essential to our future. Letâs work together to ensure
that malnutrition is a thing of our past.
âLetâs get moving.
âWe know that even for families receiving grants; money is quickly swallowed
up as the cost of the most basic foods rises almost daily.
âI believe that every big project begins with just one small step and Iâm
convinced that this one will mushroom not only in Delft, but also in every
other poor community in the Western Cape.
âIf this greening project / food gardens project takes off, there should be
no reason why thousands of residents of this area should not be enjoying meals
containing carrots, potatoes and tomatoes and other vegetables.
âBesides residents being able to grow their own vegetables and ensuring the
health of their families, creating green spaces in urban areas has social and
environmental benefits.
âGreen and leafy communities shouldnât just be for the middle class.
Children need space in which to play. Adults need space in which to relax or
socialise. Property values increase and on a human level, people have shared
interests which draw them together and help to create bonds between them,â she
said.
The food garden initiative followed Premier Brown choosing to save money
that would have been spent on a banquet following the opening of the provincial
legislature this year, in order to spend it on a worthy community project,
instead.
Ivan Kula, chairperson of the Delft Development Forum, was extremely pleased
about the food gardens. âWe regard the food gardens as the first step to end
poverty in our communities. We hope that this eventually causes our people to
be self sufficiency.
âThe Agriculture department has pledged to work with our communities on a
long term basis. These food gardens and lawns also beautify our areas and
thereby give dignity and pride to the local communities.â
âThe beneficiaries are very happy, and they have vowed to look after their
gardens,â he said.
For further information please call spokesperson for the Office of the
Premier:
Ms Ann Wentzel
Cell: 083 642 2519
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government
29 March 2009
Source: Sapa
