TANDO NKUNGWANA
Silverdale Women’s Development NPC from Kidds Beach and Yizanazo Co-operative from Amalinda saw the culmination of a dream fulfilled last week when they were given an opportunity to sell their products directly to customers at local Shoprite and Checkers stores.
Silverdale and Yizanazo are two of over 60 community food gardens across the country that were selected by the Shoprite and Checkers group to sell their hard grown fresh produce directly to consumers at their market day on April 3. Silverdale sold their products at Gillwell Mall’s Shoprite and Yizanazo Co-operative sold their products from Checkers in Vincent.
Silverdale grows spinach, cabbage, peppers and potatoes among other produce and has been operating in the Kidds Beach area for close to 10 years providing local women with a small scale farming experience and training and keeping financially constrained communities in Kidds Beach fed.
Silverdale has been part of the market day since 2017, a feat commended by the organisers and a testament to Silverdale’s produce.
Silverdale’s manager Mzwandile Mphelu said: “We are funded by Food and Trees for Africa and have received ample help from them with our garden and produce. Through this partnership, we were able to partner with Shoprite in 2017, which enables us to gain traction and recognition with customers.
“This improves our sales, and it increases our chances of getting more funding as that is how we are able to operate as an NPC. We are always grateful for this opportunity.”
Yizanazo Co-operative’s Nomfundo Dyongo said this year’s market day exceeded her expectations.
She said: “At the end of the day, our produce had been sold out, with numerous consumers indicating their interest in making more purchases from us in the near future. We could not have asked for a better outcome.
“As we continue to participate, we are able to reach more customers and generate more income, this helps us grow sustainably.”
During a time where food security remains a concern in the country, this initiative plays a crucial role in providing access to affordable and nutritious food.
Shoprite Group chief sustainability officer Sanjeev Raghubir said that this annual event aimed to unlock more opportunities for small-scale farmers.
“Beyond generating an income, it equips farmers with invaluable retail experience and encourages climate-resilient farming methods that are essential for long-term food security.”
Since its launch in 2017, this market day initiative has provided Shoprite-supported community groups with a platform to gain income, gain retail experience and demonstrate their dedication to sustainable agriculture.
“We intend to continue with this initiative, ensuring that we open it up to other emerging farmers and small-scale farmers, while continuing to partner with the ones we have partnered with over the years. We hope to continue to serve as a beacon of hope for communities in need of resources, exposure and support,” Raghubir said.
