“We do not just want to grow fruit and vegetables to assist the community; we also want to create a place where people can come together to share ideas, learn how to grow fruit and vegetables, and just to come and rest in the garden.” These are the words of the duo who have recently founded the new community garden in Fauna, Marlé Robinson and Sethiri Legae.
The idea of the Lumela (Belive) Community Garden originated when the two ladies decided to help building intergenerational community connections while increasing educational and learning opportunities through the involvement of local schools and the youth. The garden will be situated at the corner of Kudu, Nyala and Blesbok Streets in Fauna.
Robinson and Legae told Bloemfontein Courant their dream is to create a place where people can come together in unity to work towards a common goal, to socialise, and to grow as individuals. “We started off by adopting the park from the Mangaung Metro Municipality who has given us a three-year lease. If the dream becomes a reality, then why not more community gardens throughout the rest of the city? To help realise this dream, we are working closely with the Fauna Neighbourhood Watch (Fauna Family), Leeuwberg Rural Association (LRA) and the Fauna ward councillor, Mr David McKay.”
The garden stands for: “by the community and for the community”, as most of the produce grown in the garden will be given to families in need in the community. Members of the community are welcome to join the initiative by calling 073 353 9581. “We always need people to assist in any way possible. Whether helping in the garden, assisting on the committee (which must still be formed) or through contributions. We are in dire need of a water tank, wheelbarrows and general gardening tools.”
Pierce van Heerden
