The Van Rhyn Feeding Scheme and Development Centre in partnership with the IMITD (Ihgdienashieraatal Mustaqeem Islamic Training and Development Centre) runs a community garden on the Van Rhyn Crescent field in Tafelsig (“Van Rhyn Crescent launches its first community garden”, Plainsman, November 17 2021. But they need gardening equipment to keep it in shape.
Feeding scheme president, Rafiq Larnie said they wanted to beautify the garden and clean the space adjacent to it where people had dumped rubbish.
“We host events every month but we’re in need of equipment such as pallets, compost, paint, gardening equipment, weed-eaters, to name a few,” he said.
Mr Larnie said he believed that using the space for a garden had contributed to a reduction in crime in the area, and advised others to also take ownership of their spaces.
“We need fencing and want to start growing vegetables for the feeding scheme,“ he said.
“So many families make use of this space. The garden will be a year soon (and) there are no signs of vandalism. Even the gangsters have respect for the space.”
Johannes Le Roux, the gardener and member of the The Van Rhyn Feeding Scheme and Development Centre said he waters the grass and tends to the plants.
“We can’t let the grass go dry and we make sure to cut it. The garden looks a bit dry because of winter. We’ve shown the community how to start a garden as well,” he said.
Gamzah Wiese said he and some residents had erected the fence and planted flowers.
“When it’s summer you will see the colours of the flowers. It’s hard work but we’ve seen results,” he said.
Angelique Arnold said she’s been teaching the children how to paint and beautify the garden. “We see the adults sit here at night and we talk in the garden in the evenings. The children see it’s nice to sit in the garden. The youth should be aware that this is a safe garden for all.”
Roshan Larnie, a member of The Van Rhyn Feeding Scheme and Development Centre, said she has her morning coffee in the garden. “Close your eyes just let go. In the mornings an uncle sits here on a red chair with his granddaughter. It’s such a beautiful sight to see. We have crime around the area but they ask permission to sit here. There’s much respect here. Trees give oxygen and flowers give a beautiful aura, the environment is a calming and soothing happy place for all.”
If you would like to donate to the The Van Rhyn Feeding Scheme and Development Centre contact Mr Larnie on 067 957 8292 or Mr Arnold on 064 907 8865 for more information.