MEC sows seeds of food security and safety in Roodepan

IN A BID to boost food security and promote safer living environments, the Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mase Manopole, is set to roll out a community-focused programme in Roodepan, Kimberley, on Friday, July 4.

The initiative, which includes the establishment of vegetable gardens and the distribution of gardening equipment, targets key community institutions — Lucretia Primary School, Roodepan Clinic, and the Nazarene Soup Kitchen. These sites will receive essential tools and starter packs to kickstart the cultivation of fresh produce, aimed at strengthening food self-sufficiency and supplementing daily nutrition, especially in under-resourced areas.

The project is part of a broader departmental strategy to encourage sustainable, community-driven agriculture while addressing hunger and improving access to healthy food in vulnerable households.

Beyond just cultivating crops, the day’s programme will extend to education and outreach. Manopole and her team will conduct a public awareness blitz focused on winter safety, especially around the dangers of using coal braziers (imbawula) indoors. Community members will also receive practical advice on reducing environmental pollution in rural and peri-urban areas.

“This initiative is not just about planting food; it is about planting knowledge, safety, and sustainability in our communities,” said Manopole. “We are empowering people to grow their own food and protect their health and environment at the same time.”

Similar projects are expected to be rolled out across the Northern Cape, in collaboration with local communities, schools, and health facilities.