Di Fthatani Project

Ambassadors: Shavaye Govender & Mandisa Dlamini , South Africa

In 2013 Savaye and Mandisa created the Di Fthatani Project to help local people living in Townships in South Africa overcome hunger by teaching them a simple innovative farming method called tunnel farming. This method used people’s basic knowledge of agriculture to plant fresh vegetables under a tunnel and allows them to grow in a controlled environment, using less water and space than a normal garden. The vegetables planted were carefully selected based on the vitamin and mineral deficiencies present within the community, such as vitamin A and zinc. 
They also ran workshops on life skills, to teach the importance of individuality and self-awareness, basic financial skills, nutrition, and entrepreneurship. Today in each township Orlando – Soweto, Alexandra – Sandton, and in Tembisa – Midrand there are three thriving tunnel farms. The education received has enabled the people of those townships to feed and provide income to their local communities. Each tunnel has provided $5,000 to date. More importantly these tunnels are self-sustaining and run entirely by the communities.