Meet Mike Mkhwanazi, the driving force behind Outreach Foundation’s rooftop garden since 2020. With a passion for gardening and a vision for sustainable living, he has been instrumental in transforming the rooftop space into a thriving oasis.
Under his care, the garden has flourished, producing a diverse array of vegetables that nourish our participants and generate income through sales. The surplus produce is donated to local NGOs, NPOs, and migrant communities, fostering a sense of social responsibility and compassion.
“This garden has changed my life,” he says, his voice filled with emotion. “It’s given me a sense of purpose and connected me with my community. I’ve seen firsthand the impact it has on our participants—teaching them valuable skills, promoting healthy eating, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and educating them on how to plant in their own homes.”
However, the garden’s impact extends far beyond its harvest. It serves as an outdoor classroom where vulnerable young people from different communities learn invaluable skills about urban farming, green practices, and sustainable living. Mr Mike and his team have developed innovative methods to grow vegetables in small, unconventional spaces, utilising materials like old tyres, plastic bags, and containers.
Mike’s passion has inspired two interns, Annie and Tshepisho, to join him on this journey. For Tshepisho, gardening has been a transformative experience. “I used to think gardening was just about planting and watering seeds,” she shares. “But it’s so much more than that. It’s about nurturing life, being patient, and trusting the process. It’s taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and responsibility.”
On the other hand, Annie has applied the skills she learned at the rooftop garden to her own home. With creativity and resourcefulness, she has transformed her small backyard into a thriving garden, repurposing old tyres, tins, and small containers to grow various vegetables.
“I was amazed at how easily I could repurpose these materials,” Annie says, beaming with pride. “I’ve planted spinach and herbs in old tyres and used plastic containers to grow tomatoes and peppers. It’s incredible to see how something that would otherwise be thrown away can be turned into a productive garden.”
Urban farming and green skills are crucial for the future of our planet. As the world’s population continues to grow at an alarming rate, finding sustainable ways to produce food and manage resources is increasingly important. Urban farming provides a solution to this challenge, enabling communities to grow their food in small spaces and reducing reliance on industrial agriculture and transportation.
The rooftop garden has become integral to our NGO’s mission to promote self-sufficiency, education, sustainability, and community development. As we continue to nurture this project, we are grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable young people and their communities.
With a vibrant rooftop garden, we are not only growing vegetables—we are also growing hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for all.
