For more than a decade Nompinda Yalezo from Tsholomnqa has fed the sick, vulnerable and bereaved in her community using produce from her vegetable garden.
The 77-year-old from Tyusha village in Tsholomnqa said she started working on the family’s 50m² vegetable garden in 1956 and over the years saw the need to share the produce with the needy.
“We used to plant mielies only but when I took over I started adding a variety of vegetables,” she said.
The Dispatch visited Yalezo’s home yesterday and found her busy in the garden.
“This is were I spend most of my days. There is no time to waste when people are hungry, unemployed, sick and have no food in their stomachs,” she said.
The garden boasts beds of cabbages, spinach, carrots, onion, green pepper and a mielie field.
The mother of six, who has never been employed, said she considered her gardening as her purpose in life.
“I believe this is my gift from God to be able to take a seed, plant it, watch it grow and give the final product to those who need it most,” she said.
Villager Cynthia Mbambo, who is one of the people to benefit from Yalezo’s garden, said no one went hungry under Yalezo’s watch.
“Whenever she hears that someone in the community is struggling, has lost a breadwinner or is unemployed, she visits their homes to give them vegetables.
“She even goes to the clinic to give to sick people,” said Mbambo.
Sipho Mlanjeni said Yalezo was a true blessing in the community.
“I remember when our relative died she came to our house and gave us vegetables to cook for the funeral and for after the funeral.
Nqabakazi Dwede said she was inspired by what “mam Yalezo” was doing.
“This should teach young people that when you apply your mind and use your hands you can start something that will benefit others,” said Dwede. Yalezo also sells the produce to those who would like to buy.
“I charge R5 a bunch and with the money I buy more seeds to plant,” she said.
Yalezo said her only challenge was to keep cows out of her garden.
“My fence is not strong enough and often cows bulldoze the fence and destroy the produce.
“I would like to get stronger and proper fencing to continue my work,” she said. — arethal@dispatch.co.za
Loving hands feed the needy
The 77-year-old from Tyusha village in Tsholomnqa said she started working on the family’s 50m² vegetable garden in 1956 and over the years saw the need to share the produce with the needy.
“We used to plant mielies only but when I took over I started adding a variety of vegetables,” she said.
The Dispatch visited Yalezo’s home yesterday and found her busy in the garden.
“This is were I spend most of my days. There is no time to waste when people are hungry, unemployed, sick and have no food in their stomachs,” she said.
The garden boasts beds of cabbages, spinach, carrots, onion, green pepper and a mielie field.
The mother of six, who has never been employed, said she considered her gardening as her purpose in life.
“I believe this is my gift from God to be able to take a seed, plant it, watch it grow and give the final product to those who need it most,” she said.
Villager Cynthia Mbambo, who is one of the people to benefit from Yalezo’s garden, said no one went hungry under Yalezo’s watch.
“Whenever she hears that someone in the community is struggling, has lost a breadwinner or is unemployed, she visits their homes to give them vegetables.
“She even goes to the clinic to give to sick people,” said Mbambo.
Sipho Mlanjeni said Yalezo was a true blessing in the community.
“I remember when our relative died she came to our house and gave us vegetables to cook for the funeral and for after the funeral.
Nqabakazi Dwede said she was inspired by what “mam Yalezo” was doing.
“This should teach young people that when you apply your mind and use your hands you can start something that will benefit others,” said Dwede. Yalezo also sells the produce to those who would like to buy.
“I charge R5 a bunch and with the money I buy more seeds to plant,” she said.
Yalezo said her only challenge was to keep cows out of her garden.
“My fence is not strong enough and often cows bulldoze the fence and destroy the produce.
“I would like to get stronger and proper fencing to continue my work,” she said. — arethal@dispatch.co.za
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