Mhlongo Family Grows Hope and Opportunity in Tsakane Food Garden

In Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, the Mhlongo family is transforming a small plot of land into a source of hope and sustenance. Led by 63-year-old Gogo Vivian Mhlongo and her sons, Linda and Thabo, the family garden provides food for their home, generates income, and inspires their community.

The garden produces millets, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and peppers. Gogo Vivian rises early each day to tend the crops and ensures the family has enough to eat. “Being a mum, it is always expected that I put food on the table so no one goes to sleep hungry,” she said. Part of the harvest is sold on the streets, adding a vital income stream.

Her sons have embraced the work and view it as more than a livelihood. “She has taught us how to grow food, and this is a priceless gift,” said Linda. The family hopes to scale up their operations and supply supermarkets, but limited equipment and theft present major challenges. Thieves have even used bakkies to steal produce, highlighting the need for fencing and better security.

Gogo Vivian noted that access to a tractor and basic agricultural tools could drastically increase their yield. “We could produce the best vegetables and supply shops if we had proper equipment,” she said.

Despite hardships, the family sees opportunity in agriculture. Linda, who had hoped to study tourism, is now interested in pursuing agricultural studies. He views the soil as a hidden treasure that can provide livelihoods if cultivated properly.

The Mhlongo family’s food garden demonstrates the potential of kasi agriculture to combat poverty, create jobs, and strengthen food security. With support from sponsors, retailers, or agricultural partners, the family could expand their garden into a commercial venture, supplying fresh produce to communities across Ekurhuleni.

Their story shows that with determination, knowledge, and resources, families can turn small plots of land into engines of growth and community empowerment.