Our project involved getting our hands into the soil and pouring new life into the school’s dormant vegetable gardens. We worked together with a team from the Life Green Group and Earth Probiotic who contributed significantly to the day’s success by donating a 1m³ load of compost, providing gardening tools, a knowledgeable garden expert and drinking water to keep everyone refreshed and energised.

 In the true spirit of Madiba’s call to action, the team rolled up their sleeves and transformed neglected beds into thriving spaces of growth, learning, and nourishment. This garden revival sets the foundation for long-term sustainability and community empowerment, through the creation of food security and a circularity.

Sowing Seeds of Change

Kwena Molapo is a well-run, vibrant school offering Grades 8 through 12, with a strong academic focus on mathematics, science, and commerce. During an earlier site visit, the Solid Green and Imveliso teams discovered the school had great potential for a thriving garden, but lacked the infrastructure and support to maintain it. The garden space, though dormant, was promising. The kitchen, which prepares nutritious vegetarian meals for learners, generates food waste that could be turned into compost. The only missing link was to help them set up a system that supports what the school is already doing.

The Mandela Day initiative tackled these challenges head-on, guided by a clear mission to promote sustainability, foster environmental awareness, and create practical learning opportunities for learners.

Getting Our Hands Dirty – and Loving It

The day’s activity saw a diverse group of 44 volunteers, including staff, friends, and local community members coming together to:

• Clear out overgrown beds and remove accumulated waste
• Improve soil quality with compost and mulch
• Plant a selection of hardy vegetables and indigenous species
• Construct a three-compartment compost bin using repurposed timber
• Set up a Bokashi composting system in the kitchen

The school was provided with a 12-month supply of Bokashi bran and Solid Green will continue to engage the school through training and assisting in integrating the Bokashi into everyday routines. The closed-loop system means the kitchen can now “feed” the garden, helping plants thrive while reinforcing the principles of waste reduction and circular thinking.

“This is not just a garden,” said Aadil Fayzoo.

It’s an open-air classroom, a source of healthy food, and a place where students can see sustainability in action.

A Foundation for the Future

This Mandela Day project marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership between the school and the Imveliso Foundation, which aims to support young women to pursue careers in sustainability, engineering, and the built environment.

A follow-up event was held on Friday, 25 July 2025, specifically targeting Grade 12 girls taking mathematics. The event introduced the girls to the different careers available for them in the built environment and sustainability.

Collective Action, Lasting Impact

A project like this wouldn’t be possible without the generous contributions of time, resources and expertise from numerous supporters. Every hand made a difference, from companies that donated compost, plants and tools, to Vusi Thusi, our carpenter who built the compost bins, to the volunteers who gave their time and energy.

We are especially grateful to Life Green Group and Earth Probiotic Recycling Solutions, and to the school’s leadership for their openness and enthusiasm.

“There’s a special kind of magic that happens when people come together to make something grow,” said Thato Mohale.

We’re proud to be planting the seeds of change in the hearts and minds of the learners.

How You Can Help

The garden has been planted, the Bokashi system is in place, but our work is far from over.

We’re still seeking:

• Indigenous plants and seedlings for seasonal replanting
• Educational signage and learning materials
• Mentors and guest speakers for Career Days
• Financial support for university application fees
• Ongoing volunteer involvement to maintain the garden

If you or your organisation would like to get involved, whether through donations, expertise or your time; please reach out to:

Marloes Reinink

Director, Solid Green Consulting / Imveliso Foundation
📧 marloes@solidgreen.co.za | 📞 073 806 8048