ACTING MINISTER CHIKUNGA COMMENDS TSHEDIMOSHO FARM HUB’S CONTRIBUTION TO FOOD SECURITY AND JOB CREATION

By Lesego Ranchu

• Acting Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga conducted an oversight visit today to assess the impact of NDA-funded poverty alleviation initiatives at Tshedimosho Farm Hub.
• The project has strengthened food security, created employment opportunities and empowered young people through sustainable agricultural production.
• Twenty percent of the farm’s produce supports Tshedimosho Primary School’s nutrition programme, directly benefiting local learners.

Acting Minister of Social Development, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, today conducted an oversight visit to Tshedimosho Farm Hub (TFH) in Mofolo to assess the impact of poverty eradication initiatives and evaluate the utilisation of funding allocated through the National Development Agency (NDA).

The visit formed part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that government-funded community development projects deliver meaningful and sustainable benefits to local communities.

Established in 2016 and formally registered as a non-profit company in 2019, Tshedimosho Farm Hub is a community-led initiative focused on building sustainable food systems and promoting local economic development. Operating on land leased from Tshedimosho Primary School, the project has become an important vehicle for addressing food insecurity, unemployment and skills shortages within the community.

During the oversight visit, Minister Chikunga engaged with project beneficiaries and leadership to assess the impact of the resources invested in the initiative and its contribution to improving livelihoods. A key focus of the visit was the NDA funding provided during the 2022/23 financial year, which enabled the refurbishment of three hydroponic tunnels and the conversion of the irrigation system to a more efficient drip irrigation system.

“This funding intervention has significantly strengthened the project’s production capacity and operational sustainability,” said Tshedimosho Farm Hub Chairperson, Tebogo Thlophane.

The Minister noted the tangible outcomes achieved through the investment, particularly in enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening food security.

“Wherever people are, there is a need for food. It is encouraging to see community members coming together to provide an essential resource that not only feeds people but also creates income and employment opportunities. I commend the members for helping to remove young people from the streets, equipping them with valuable skills and keeping them away from harmful influences,” said Minister Chikunga.

Through its hydroponic tunnels, the farm hub is now able to produce crops throughout the year, resulting in increased yields and a consistent supply of fresh produce. The project grows a variety of crops, including spinach, potatoes, carrots, onions and herbs, which are sold through local markets, distributors and direct farm sales, generating income for the initiative and its beneficiaries.

The project also delivers significant social benefits. Twenty percent of the produce harvested is donated to Tshedimosho Primary School to support its nutrition programme, directly benefiting learners and contributing to improved food security in the community.

Community member Sarah Makola praised the farm hub for its positive impact on local residents.
“This place gives hope to our community. It helps keep children nourished and supports their education. It is uplifting people and creating opportunities. With further growth, it can achieve even more,” she said.

In line with government priorities, Tshedimosho Farm Hub has made notable strides in job creation and youth empowerment. The project currently sustains five permanent jobs and has created an additional nine employment opportunities through the Presidential Employment Stimulus. The majority of its members are young people, reflecting the project’s strong commitment to youth development and economic inclusion.

The oversight visit also highlighted the importance of sound governance and accountability in the management of public funds. Evidence presented during the engagement demonstrated that the NDA funding had been effectively utilised to improve infrastructure, increase production output and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the project.

Minister Chikunga encouraged the project’s leadership to build on its current successes by exploring opportunities for expansion, including the establishment of additional tunnels and the introduction of agro-processing activities as a new income-generating stream.
Local Councillor Johannes Mofokeng welcomed the Minister’s visit and praised the visible impact of government-supported initiatives in improving the lives of community members.

The visit reaffirmed the important role that targeted government investment and community-driven initiatives play in addressing poverty, strengthening food security, creating employment opportunities and equipping communities with sustainable skills for the future. Tshedimosho Farm Hub remains a strong example of how partnerships between government and communities can deliver measurable social and economic impact.