Mantshopa Mothers Co-operative, which was established in 2003, makes use of netted tunnels to grow vegetables. 

Lydia Nkhoko, manager and daughter of the founder of the co-operative, says they sell fresh vegetables to shops, their community, as well as donate vegetables to the needy. 

See PODCAST below

The co-operative is situated on a piece of land on the outskirts of Ladybrand that was provided by the municipality.

Nkhoke says that they strive to always use water sparingly and first check which of the eight tunnels requires water before resorting to watering all tunnels. She explains that to test which tunnel needs water, they usually, in the mornings, would put their finger into the soil to feel its moisture level, which will then determine whether that specific vegetable tunnel will be watered or not.

The Free State Department of Agriculture assisted the ladies with a borehole which is their main source of water.

Nkhoke says that vegetables planted at the facility include green beans, onions, spinach, pumpkins as well as watermelons.

Mantshopa Mothers Co-operative supply these vegetables to the local shops as well as the community at large. They also donate vegetables to poor households and people living with disabilities in their neighbourhood.

Meanwhile, the provincial Department of Water and Sanitation recently visited the facility to do a Women in Water awareness and workshop for the workers.

“This woman-headed project bested many others across the country to scoop first place in the Women in Water competition in 2014 in the category Water Conservation.

“Their project supported the national water conservation and demand management objectives through activities that contribute to poverty eradication,” says Larry Chrisp, spokesperson for the provincial department.

Furthermore, Nkhoke encourages women to also go out in their communities and start a vegetable garden. This will help to ensure food security, especially in rural communities of South Africa.

OFM News