Mabaso’s plans dashed
ALEXANDRA – Exemplary organic agricultural co-op's hopes dashed for now
An avid organic agriculturalist’s plan for expansion has been dashed at a costly price, at least for now.
This after Violet Mabaso of the thriving Molobanyane Agriculture Co-op at Lenin Garden, Tsutsumani incurred a non-refundable R3 500 return transport fee for a Wendy house she had returned from a Joburg city council farm in Eikenhoff, south of Johannesburg. Mabaso had hoped to relocate to a more expansive site at the farm which is already used by others, before the rainy season as part of her expansion plan.
Mabaso’s commitment to co-op business principles has been punted in Alex News at a time when government is promoting co-ops and small businesses as key economic drivers and a defence against soaring unemployment and crime.
She feels let down after having had to bring back the Wendy house which is equipped with electric connections. She had bought it for R9 000 through savings from the business. “My plans are up in smoke and am disappointed with officials from council’s Food Resilience unit who went against their promise after asking me to check the place and move in if I found it suitable for my purposes,” a dejected Mabaso said, adding that she was seeking help from Region E director Liziwe Ntshinga-Makoro.
She said she was surprised when the unit’s officials at the farm stopped her from setting up the house saying they didn’t want a shack on the farm. “The structure is fully equipped for my office work, kitchen for agro-processing and packing which I do at night and I would have slept with the others in the main house,” Mabaso said, still eager to return to the farm which she said had more fertile soil than her current location.
“I am also worried about losing potential sponsors for a water source, technical and other services. I will not lose hope and am confident council will resolve the matter in my favour.”
Graham Field of Urban Fresh company which provides technical and marketing support to the garden’s co-ops, said Mabaso had been exemplary for three years and it would be a travesty if she lost the opportunity. “She is a trailblazer,” he said.
“Those in authority should not upset plans for exemplary initiatives in organic food production, income generation, self-sufficiency and reduction of poverty and unemployment,” Field said, adding that Mabaso’s range of herbs had penetrated the high value upmarket of Sandton and others. “It will be pitiful if her skills, quality products and commitment fail to supply this growing market including the council’s many canteens.”
Mabaso is also supported by Investec Bank and may soon be exposed to Israel’s thriving agricultural production methods in arid conditions. This following several accolades she has received locally including from the Minister of Small Business Lindiwe Zulu, parliament and the provincial government.
