A Khayelitsha farmer is livid after some of her produce, fence and electricity cables were stolen.
Nomthandazo Tshutshumeza (66) from Makhaza started her vegetable garden at 39-Section in 2006 after being unable to get work.
Over the years she has been able to make ends meet by selling some of her produce including spinach, onions, beetroot, carrots, cabbages and potatoes. She has also been able to support needy people in the community.
However, her efforts were dealt a devastating blow after thieves stole her electricity cables in 2019. This meant she could not use her sprinkles to water the garden. She had to resort to using a watering can in order to achieve results.
In an interview with City Vision, Tshutshumeza said she had been sent from to pillar to post while trying to get other cables.
“I am on this garden six days a week. But it hurts me so much that people from the my community steals from my hard work,” she said.
“A part of my garden had its fence stolen, and this means I can’t plough more even if I wanted too. Community members pass close-by here and some throw debris in my garden which also helps some of their children,” said Tshutshumeza.
The mother of two said through the garden she has been able to put food on the table. She has also been able to foot her burial cover costs.
However, all these now hang in the balance and is appealing to authorities to intervene.
“When I leave during December holidays, and I come back with everything stolen. It pains me when you seek help no one seems to be coming to your rescue from the government side. What are we supposed to do as farmers who find ourselves in such situations or the government only cares for us when it is time to vote?,’ asked Tshutshumeza.
Ward 95 councillor Ayanda Tetani promised to visit Tshutshumeza to investigate her challenges.
“I don’t want to promise anything, but I will visit her and see the problems she is facing. If she had an electricity meter box before, it can’t be difficult for her to get a cable,” said Tetani.
Tetani called on communities to join neighbourhood watches to safeguard areas such as the gardens belonging to Tshutshumeza.