About 

Siyabonga Ndlangamandla, an urban farmer living in Makers Valley, grows organic vegetables that not only support him financially but also provide healthy produce to the community. Alongside his commercial farming efforts, Siyabonga manages a community garden in Bez Valley, Johannesburg, aimed at supplying local residents with fresh vegetables while teaching them valuable gardening skills.

His passion for farming and food security was nurtured from a young age, growing up on his grandfather’s farm. This early connection to agriculture shaped his commitment to his community, which is evident through his involvement in various community-based initiatives, including placemaking projects like painting residents' houses.

Issues and Ideas

• Siyabonga Ndlangamandla is trained as a hydroponic farmer, utilizing a method of growing plants without soil by using nutrient-rich water solutions. Hydroponic farming is highly water-efficient, as it reuses water compared to traditional irrigation methods. However, challenges like the lack of solar panels and frequent load shedding have affected the farm's ability to maximize production. Despite these hurdles, Siyabonga remains committed to combating food insecurity and ensuring access to nutritious food within his community.

• Living and working in Makers Valley, Siyabonga has observed several challenges, including crime, illegal waste dumping, and a shortage of recreational spaces for both children and adults. He has also noticed a concerning rise in substance abuse among community members. Can you suggest ways to create safer, welcoming recreational spaces in Makers Valley?

Find out more from Siyabonga Ndlangamandla in their video interview, available here.