MEC Ramokgopa launches Zero Hunger Christmas Programme to empower local farmers
In an effort to enhance food security and elevate local agricultural production, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development launched its Zero Hunger Christmas Programme on Monday, 15 December, at the Braamfischer Multipurpose Centre in Soweto
The Zero Hunger Christmas Programme is a provincial flagship initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, strengthening food security, and revitalising township economies. It also underscores the province’s commitment to empowering communities to produce more food, reduce hunger, and contribute to the Gauteng’s economic resilience.
Speaking at the handover of the smart garden boxes, MEC for agriculture and Rural Development Vuyiswa Ramokgopa noted the critical role of collaboration in achieving the government’s development goals.
“Today, We are distributing smart garden boxes to 500 households across the five corridors of Gauteng. The smart garden boxes are designed to enable households to grow vegetables in limited spaces, supporting urban and township food production while reducing household food costs”, added Ramokgopa.
MEC Makgopa was accompanied by the Gauteng Agriculture Chief Director Mncedisi Madolo, Gauteng MEC for Environment Ewan Batha,Director of farmer support and development Mpho Tlape, and senior government officials.
MEC Botha emphasised that the Provincial Government’s Zero Hunger Christmas Programme was a key response to these challenges, designed to boost local food production, improve livelihoods, and stimulate agricultural productivity across districts.
“Agriculture must be seen as a weapon to defeat hunger and to grow our economy. We must work together to ensure that every piece of arable land is used productively to feed our people and strengthen our communities,” said MEC Botha.
For many farmers on the ground, the programme will make a tangible difference. Priscilla Zwane, one of the participating smallholder farmers, shared her personal experience.
“Through the programme, I will gain important skills for nurturing crops, preparing soil, identifying issues, and taking necessary actions to support crop growth. It will also teach me the steps involved in the farming process,” said Zwane.
Beneficiaries also received food parcels.