From savouring produce at the peak of freshness to meeting new people who grow your food, there were countless reasons why smiling faces flooded the Tsotetsi Sports Complex in Sebokeng to attend a bustling farmer’s market hosted by Gauteng Agri MEC, Mbali Hlophe, recently. Pickles, preserves, sauces, fresh fruit and veggies were on display.
Hlophe is on a mission to bring farmer’s markets to Gauteng townships through the recently launched joint programme by the provincial department of social development and agriculture and rural development.
GDARDE is show casing farmers at the Farmers Market in Sebokeng #GrowingGautengTogether #GDARDEatWork #TISHSila #Foodsecurity #Sila pic.twitter.com/1IaWy78KFA
— GP_AgricRuralEnviro (@OfficialGDARD) January 21, 2023
Typically home to sports activities, the stadium housed one of several farmer’s markets hosted by the Gauteng department of agriculture and rural development.
Farmer’s markets are valuable community assets that generate local economic activity, engage residents in important social and civic activity, and contribute to the vitality of kasi communities.
“Giving out food parcels is not sustainable, but empowering people to create their own food is where agriculture becomes critical as they are able to feed themselves for a lifetime,” Hlophe told Food For Mzansi.
Kasi growers and processors shine
Sebokeng was bustling as agri MEC Hlophe hosted a family picnic setup where communities could enjoy fresh produce, and interact with farmers and various agro-processing producers. “Buying directly from farmers also saves you lots of money.
“All in all, the event promotes a healthy lifestyle whilst fostering social cohesion,” the department said in a statement.
“While achieving the mandate to revive township communities, this event also allows the department of social development (DSD) to strengthen its work on the family unit, our Ke Moja anti-drug campaign and awareness on children’s rights through the kiddies corner they run throughout the event,” it said.
The department also said that the objective of the farmer’s market family day programme includes:
- Providing more avenues for farmers to market their products.
- To establish more SMMEs in the space of agriculture and agro-processing.
- To attract more members of the community to the agricultural sector.
- To create job opportunities as depicted by the National Development Plan.
- To foster social cohesion in communities and strengthen the family unit.
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