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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.

“It 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. Let’s work together to ensure that malnutrition is a thing of our past.
“Let’s get moving.

“We know that even for families receiving grants; money is quickly swallowed up as the cost of the most basic foods rises almost daily.
“I believe that every big project begins with just one small step and I’m convinced that this one will mushroom not only in Delft, but also in every other poor community in the Western Cape.

“If 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.

“Besides 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.

“Green and leafy communities shouldn’t 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,” 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. “We 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.

“The 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.”

“The beneficiaries are very happy, and they have vowed to look after their gardens,” 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