Letsema Campaign to address food challenges

The Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality (CALM) has launched the One Public, One Garden Campaign at Mlondozi Primary School on August 25.

According to CALM’s Mayor, Daniel Nkosi, the campaign is part of the commitment he made during the 2023 State of Municipal address earlier this year where he emphasised food security. He also said they are responding to the call with the municipal department of Planning and Economic Development.

“The Municipality has contributed to the establishment of food gardens through the distribution of starter packs consisting of vegetable seedlings, fertiliser and advice on production practices such as planting, tending and harvesting of vegetables. The aim of this campaign is to assist in producing enough food to meet basic food needs throughout the year and the future. Gardening is relaxing and stimulating during challenging periods. This campaign will even assist people when it’s time to harvest,” he said.

He also encouraged community households to start a food garden with the basic plants which are easy to care for. “Having a backyard garden must be part of every home to address food challenges because even if people are not working, they can still have something to eat. We are aware that some of the areas have challenges which we the Municipality is addressing, but we believe that backyard gardens must be something that everyone has,” he said.

Meanwhile management of Mlondozi Primary School has welcomed the gesture and promised that they will take on such a garden and said they were grateful that the Municipality chose their school. “The garden will benefit the learners and the community at large. We will make sure that we take good care of it so that we have sustainable food security. We are also pleading with community members to assist the school in protecting the garden,” they said.

The campaign will be ongoing with a aim to reach all throughout the Municipality.