By Maphuti Machabaphala
As Women’s Month continues, MEC Nakedi Kekana honoured and celebrated women excelling in urban agriculture. Women from in and around Polokwane City gathered for an inaugural event highlighting the critical role of urban agriculture in securing food and nutrition.
MEC Kekana’s embarked on visits to female farmers established backyard gardens in Polokwane to witness the good work our female farmers are doing to beat hunger and the cost of living. Ms Fikiswa Ndumbu and Ms Patience Lowani, are amongst women who have transformed small spaces into productive, sustainable farms in the City of Polokwane. Using limited land and recycled resources, these farmers grow vegetables and herbs for nutritious meals, while selling surplus produce to generate income. Their work showcases how urban agriculture can be sustainable, profitable, and community oriented.
In her keynote address, MEC Kekana stressed the value of Extension and Advisory Services in guiding and supporting farmers. She highlighted the importance of urban agriculture in reducing unemployment, addressing food insecurity, and supporting livelihoods. She noted that urban farming aligns with the Department’s mission to promote sustainable agriculture while also empowering women in agriculture.
The MEC also celebrated innovative solutions from research institutions, such as the University of Limpopo’s Green Bio-Technology Centre, which supports the development of sustainable agricultural practices. She emphasised that collaboration between government, academia, municipalities, and communities is key to building a resilient, self-sufficient agricultural sector.
The event also acknowledged the Municipality of Polokwane’s role in ensuring urban agriculture benefits local communities. By fostering environments where women farmers can thrive, the Municipality is helping to secure the future of urban farming as both a livelihood and a tool for community resilience.
MEC Kekana closed by calling on women to take pride in their contributions to food production, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She reminded attendees that urban agriculture is not just about planting crops — it is about planting the seeds of independence, sustainability, and empowerment.
