SAFI and  TNE Agri Group launches ‘Gauteng Agri Empowerment Project’ initiative for Shembe Church community leaders

The South African Friends of Israel (SAFI) has joined forces with TNE Agri Group to launch the Gauteng Agri Empowerment Project — a hands-on initiative that will train 10 members of the Shembe Nazareth Baptist Church in sustainable farming practices.

Over a 12-week intensive programme, participants will gain the skills to turn unused spaces into productive urban farms, while learning how to promote food security, economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and household dignity within their communities.

“This project is about more than farming,” says Bafana Modise, SAFI spokesperson. “It’s the start of a faith-based urban farming movement rooted in self-sufficiency and dignity, while building bridges between faiths and cultures through practical collaboration.”

The training will be rolled out in key urban and peri-urban areas across Gauteng, aligning with the Shembe Church’s strong community presence. Modules will cover:

• Sustainable Urban Farming Techniques
• Composting and Vermiculture
• Microgreen and Organic Vegetable Production
• Market Linkages and Cooperative Development
• Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy
• Leadership in Food Security and Community Development

Each participant will also receive starter packs with seeds, tools, compost, and grow trays. Weekly mentorship, digital support, and access to market networks and agri-incubation opportunities will ensure the skills are put into action.

“This programme empowers local Shembe leaders with agricultural knowledge and business skills that can spark both spiritual and economic renewal,” Modise adds. “It’s about passing on skills to the next generation and building a new wave of faith-based agripreneurs. The Shembe community’s participation makes perfect sense, given the long-standing friendship between the Church and Israel, strengthened after the Church’s leadership visited Israel in 2024.”

Inkosi Phakama Shembe, leader of the Shembe Church, echoed the sentiment:

“The Shembe Church is grateful for the support of our communities. We are committed to this journey with our friends for generations to benefit. While 20 million South Africans face hunger, our friends from Israel are committed to helping us reach zero hunger. Beyond sharing the Bible and the laws of Moses, we are determined to work together to create entrepreneurial partnerships and improve living standards.”

After completing the programme, some participants will enter a three-month incubation phase to scale up production, form grower cooperatives, supply food banks and retailers, and access digital tools for monitoring crops and sales.

SAFI credits the TNE Agri Group’s executive director, Thabo Mahlobo, for bringing expertise and enthusiasm to the project:

“Some of the knowledge Thabo will share with participants comes directly from Israel. As the project grows, we will integrate Israeli technology to improve water efficiency and boost yields,” says Modise.

Modise concludes:

“Through food, farming, and faith, we can unite communities in empowerment and skills development. When people grow food together, they grow hope, dignity, and a shared future built on justice and compassion.”