How the Thanda organization helped a family from KwaZulu-Natal overcome the cost of living crisis

For a long time, buying fresh vegetables was an additional expense that 51-year-old Zandile Singa could not afford. However, today this mother from ePhalazini, located near Mthalume in KwaZulu-Natal, grows a significant portion of her family's food on her own plot. Moreover, when the harvest exceeds the household's needs, she sells the surplus to neighbors.

Financial aid through gardening

In just one week, Singa earned 1250 rand by selling green peppers and chilies. Singa notes that farming has contributed to her gaining independence. She says that the garden provides food for the family, and the surplus allows her to earn money for her daughter's needs, such as school uniforms and stationery, which has significantly improved their household's situation.

Singa's story is relevant in a context where many South African households are facing difficulties due to the rising cost of living. Food inflation, unemployment, and stagnant incomes put immense pressure on family budgets, stimulating growing interest in home food production as a practical way to enhance food security and create small sources of income.

The Thanda Program and Skills

In 2023, Singa joined the Household Gardening Program implemented by the public non-profit organization Thanda. This organization, based in rural KwaZulu-Natal, works with communities to build long-term sustainability through programs focused on early childhood development, child and youth development, as well as food security and economic development.

Thanda's household gardening initiative provides families with knowledge about regenerative agriculture, enabling them to grow nutritious food using accessible and eco-friendly methods. Instead of relying on expensive agricultural resources, participants learn practical techniques such as composting, mulching, seed saving, and natural pest control.

Socio-economic Impact

These acquired skills have already yielded results for Singa. When her recent harvest was threatened by pests, she did not have to buy chemical pesticides. Instead, she applied organic methods, including sawdust and chili-based treatments, which she learned through the program.

Angela Larkin, Executive Director and Co-founder of Thanda, emphasizes that home gardens have become more than just a way to grow vegetables. She argues that gardening is too often viewed solely from an agrarian perspective, whereas its impact is entirely social and economic. When a household grows its own food, it ceases to be completely dependent on money for survival in an unstable economy. Home food production, whether on a rural estate or in a small container garden, offers a practical way to restore self-sufficiency.

Food Security Starts at Home

The Household Gardening Program was launched in 2022 in response to growing concerns about food insecurity in vulnerable communities. According to Thanda, when a household's income no longer covers the cost of a nutritious basket, families first reduce the quality and variety of their diet. This can have serious consequences for children's health and development, especially during pregnancy and the first 1000 days of life.

Larkin insists that ensuring adequate nutrition for children begins long before they start school. She stresses that with stable access to diverse and nutritious food, households better support healthy pregnancies and early childhood development. However, when household budgets are stretched to the limit, families often lack the resources to mitigate market shocks. Thus, home-grown food ceases to be a hobby and becomes a critical necessity for survival.

Since then, the program has trained over 650 home gardeners, and participants have also learned how to grow protein-rich foods alongside vegetables to improve dietary diversity and strengthen household resilience. For Thanda, the work goes beyond helping families produce food; by combining practical skills with community development, the organization aims to strengthen livelihoods, improve nutrition, and create pathways out of poverty that can be sustainable for generations.

iol.co.zaJuly 4, 09:00

Hairdresser from Kraaifontein cannot feed family after violence during protests

A grass-cutting worker from Kraaifontein faced a threat to his livelihood after an attack occurred during recent protests against illegal immigration in Bloekkombosch. His vehicle was damaged, making it impossible to purchase food.

Incident Description

Bonafi Shakeka, 60, recounted that his day started normally on Tuesday, June 30. He left his home in Bloekkombosch around 6 am to go to work in Welgemoeed, unaware of the troubles awaiting him upon his return.

This day coincided with the deadline set by the March and March movement and affiliated groups, who called for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa. Shakeka noted that the roads were quiet when he drove to work in the morning.

Road Attack

However, when he returned home around 5 pm, he entered an area where a group, mostly young people, was allegedly throwing stones at passing vehicles near the roundabout next to Bloekkombosch High School. Shakeka recalled: 'I passed the first roundabout and saw a police van. Everything seemed quiet. When I reached the second roundabout, I suddenly heard a stone hit my bakkie. The taxi minivan behind me drove past. I think the driver realized people were throwing stones and decided not to stop.'

Shakeka believes that deciding to pull over onto the gravel shoulder near the high school was a mistake. The group approached his vehicle and repeatedly threw stones at it until a local young entrepreneur intervened and calmed the crowd. As a result of the incident, he sustained mouth bruises and head swelling.

Consequences and Reaction

He emphasized that if this young man had not helped him, he would not be speaking about it today. Shakeka added that he does not understand the reason for the attack, as no one prohibited people from going to work. He spent his last savings on car repairs at a body shop, which cost him 6,200 rand for windshield and window repair.

Shakeka reported that he exhausted his savings before being able to repair the damaged headlights and dents on the car, and he did not file a police report. 'Now we will live without food at home because I spent all my savings. If a client doesn't call me, there will be no work because I am a grass cutter. I am waiting for people to call me when they need my services,' he stated.

Local Authorities' Comments

The Bloekkombosch community leader, Linda Phito, reported that several drivers had reported damage to their vehicles due to stone-throwing incidents that day. She expressed deep concern that Kraaifontein is becoming an area associated with violence and crime, especially committed by children. Phito urged adults to stop using children to commit crimes, as they should become future leaders.

Phito demanded increased law enforcement presence, advising authorities to consider escorting drivers if further demonstrations take place. She mentioned hearing about March and March plans to hold weekly protests on Thursdays, so law enforcement must be prepared.

City's Position

Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town stated that there were no major incidents related to protests against illegal immigration. In a statement released on Wednesday, July 1, J.P. Smith, a member of the mayor's committee on safety and public order, reported that law enforcement responded to a number of criminal incidents concerning businesses owned by foreigners in Delft, Gugulethu, Hanover Park, and Mfuleni. Smith noted that these were isolated cases, and thanks to the rapid response of law enforcement, at least 13 arrests were made for public violence and intentional property damage.