Page 15 - Landscape-Issue152

RAND WATER EDITORIAL

MANDELA

DAY

his year’s water wise initiative
commemorated Mandela Day on a
Thigh note at the Jewish National Fund
Walter Sisulu Training Centre in Mamelodi.
The event was held in collaboration with the
South African Landscapers Institute (SALI),
the City of Tshwane and Afgri, united by
the common goal of fostering sustainable
water wise farming techniques and
promoting food security among previously
disadvantaged communities. Through this
partnership, participants were equipped
with practical skills and knowledge to
grow their own food sustainably, helping
to reduce dependence on external food
sources and improve livelihoods. A total of
70 people were trained during this event.
A major focus of the event was exploring
alternative sources of water supply for the
community gardens, emphasising the
critical importance of water conservation
in the face of increasing water scarcity.
Workshops and demonstrations
highlighted simple yet effective ways to
capture, store and reuse water, including
rainwater harvesting and grey water
systems, empowering participants to
manage this vital resource more efficiently.
Moreover, the program encouraged
subsistence farming, aiming to make small-
scale food production more accessible and
productive for families and individuals. A
significant part of this involved passing
down indigenous agricultural knowledge,
such as planting crops at the right times
according to seasonal cycles, grouping
plants strategically, and interplanting
different species to naturally deter pests
and attract beneficial pollinators. These
traditional practices not only reduce the
need for chemical pesticides but also
promote biodiversity and soil health.
By combining modern sustainable
farming techniques with time-tested
indigenous knowledge, the initiative
strives to create gardens that are not
only productive but also environmentally
resilient. This holistic approach supports
a healthier ecosystem and strengthens
community food security, making a
tangible contribution towards building self-
sufficient, empowered communities that
honour both the land and Mandela’s legacy
for the future.

FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION ON
WATER WISE, PLEASE
CONTACT US ON:
0860 10 10 60.
www.randwater.co.za

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